What's happening
This bill expands the green building tax credit to include all residential buildings in New York State.
Why it matters
Broader eligibility for green building incentives. By expanding the tax credit to all residential buildings, not just specific types, more homeowners, landlords, and developers can now access financial incentives for making buildings environmentally friendly.
Potential for increased green construction statewide. This change could significantly increase the number of residential buildings designed or renovated to meet green standards, potentially lowering energy use, reducing emissions, and supporting sustainability goals across New York State.
Greater equity and access. Previously, some residential properties may have been excluded from the credit. The amendment removes these barriers, making it easier for a wider range of property owners—including small landlords and homeowners outside major cities—to benefit from green building practices.
Environmental protections maintained. The bill continues to prohibit tax credits for buildings constructed on sensitive wetlands, ensuring that expanded eligibility does not come at the expense of critical natural resources.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Expand Green Tax Credit
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to investigations and government operations
- Referred to investigations and government operations
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Expand Green Tax Credit
In Assembly Committee · Ways And Means · Sponsor Aileen Gunther
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
2706
2017-2018 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 17, 2017
Introduced by Sen. PARKER -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Investigations and Government Operations
AN ACT to amend the tax law, in relation to providing a green building credit to all residential buildings
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Subparagraphs (D) and (E) of paragraph 6 of subdivision (b) of section 19 of the tax law, as added by section 2 of part II of chapter 63 of the laws of 2000, are amended to read as follows:
(D) any combination of buildings described in subparagraphs (A), (B) and (C) of this paragraph, [and] or
(E) any residential building, and
(F) is not a building located on freshwater wetlands or tidal wetlands the construction of which requires a permit under section 24-0701 or 25-0403, respectively, of the environmental conservation law, or on wetlands such that the construction thereof requires a permit pursuant to section 404 of the federal clean water act (33 U.S.C. § 1344).
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD03541-01-7
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the tax law, in relation to providing a green building credit to all residential buildings
Purpose
This amendment would allow residential buildings to be eligible for the Green Building Tax Credit.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 provides that residential buildings are eligible for the Green Building Tax Credit
Read the full memo (601 words)
Section 2 provides the effective date.
Existing law
This is an amendment to Section 19 of the Tax Law, as added by section 2 of part II of chapter 63 of the laws of 2000. This bill expands upon the existing Green building tax credit, which is currently limited only to businesses.
Justification
The buildings in which we live, work, and play protect us from Nature's extremes, yet they also affect our health and environment in countless ways. The design, construction, operation, maintenance, and removal of buildings takes enormous amounts of energy, water, and materials, and generates large quantities of waste, air and water pollution, as well as creating storm water runoff and heat islands. Buildings also develop their own indoor environments, which present an array of health challenges. Where and how they are built affects wildlife habitat and corridors and the hydrologic cycle, while influencing the overall quality of human life.
As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent, a new field called green building is gaining momentum. Green or sustainable building is the practice. of creating healthier and more resource-efficient models of construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and demolition. Research and experience increasingly demonstrate that when buildings are designed and operated with their life cycle impact in mind, they can provide great environmental, economic, and social benefits.
Elements of green building include:
*Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy *Water Stewardship *Environmentally Preferable Building Materials and Specifications *Waste Reduction *Indoor Environment *Smart Growth and Sustainable Development
Currently, New York State offers tax credits for the construction or renovation of "green buildings", ranging from 5% to 0% of the cost of construction or renovation, with additional incentives for the use of photovoltaic installations (solar panels) and fuel cells. Green buildings are designed for passive solar heating and cooling, and require smaller mechanical systems. The design of these buildings provides abundant natural light, and produces and stores their own renewable energy. They use non-toxic materials, paints, and finishes, which greatly enhance indoor air quality. Construction methods are resource efficient, and materials are chosen to be low in embodied energy, found regionally and contain recycled materials. Construction waste is treated as a resource and completely recycled. Green buildings are sited and designed to blend with neighboring buildings; they use native landscapes that minimize water use and are designed to filter and retain storm water.
This bill expands upon the existing Green building tax credit which is currently limited only to businesses. By allowing residential homeowners to take advantage of the green building tax credit, this bill will promote the construction of Green buildings in the State and assist New Yorkers to build healthier and more energy efficient homes.
Legislative history
2015-16: S.1168 - Referred to Investigations and Government Operations 2013-14: S.1624 - Referred to Investigations and Government Operations 2011-12: S.1043/A.1313 - Referred to Investigations & Government Operations 2009-10: S.2546 - Referred to Investigations & Government Operations 2007-08: S.2000 - Referred to Investigations & Government Operations
Fiscal implications
It is expected that the cost of this credit will be $25 million, the same amount as the existing Green building credit contained in section 19 of the tax law for commercial buildings.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.