Relates to global warming pollution control

4 Co-sponsors

• David Carlucci
• Brad Hoylman-Sigal
• George Latimer
• José M. Serrano

BILL NUMBER:S205A

Title of bill

An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to global warming pollution control

Purpose or general idea of bill

The purpose of this bill is to require the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to promulgate rules and regulations establishing limits on greenhouse gas emissions.

Summary of provisions

This bill would:

* define greenhouse gas to include carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, sulfur hexafluroide, and any other gas determined by DEC to be a significant contributor to global warming;

* define "major greenhouse gas emission source" as any source or category of sources of greenhouse gas emissions, determined by the department to be capable of being monitored for compliance, and shall at a minimum include emissions:

a. associated with fossil fuels;

b. from any utility generating or delivering electricity consumed in the state;

c. stationary sources permitted pursuant to section 19-0311 of this article; and

d. from any additional entities that are emitters of greenhouse gases, as determined by the department;

* provide compliance assistance to small business;

* initially focus on state facility compliance;

* authorize DEC to promulgate rules and regulations, by May 1, 2016, requiring annual greenhouse gas emission reporting from greenhouse gas emission sources.

Justification

New York and the rest of the nation have encountered record high temperatures, hurricanes, long and difficult. winters, floods and other harsh weather conditions. NASA has stated that these weather conditions are being caused by humans. Recently, the White House released a report stating that global climate change is here and we are feeling the effects of it today. There is near total agreement in the scientific community that greenhouse gases emitted into our atmosphere are the major cause of climate change. Environmental Advocates have stated that, "The prevention of further climate damage

will require a wholesale transformation to a clean energy economy. This measure will propel the state forward by establishing aggressive emission targets across all sectors where emissions can be measured (including power generation and distribution, transportation, construction, building efficiency, manufacturing, and waste) and including all greenhouse gases (not just. carbon dioxide)."

Fiscal implications

To be determined

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately.