What's happening
This bill requires certain local governments to reevaluate their climate resolutions and reconsider joining the climate smart community program.
Why it matters
Targets Local Governments With Stalled Climate Action. The bill specifically impacts counties, towns, cities, and villages that previously committed to addressing climate change (before December 31, 2014) but have not followed through by formally joining or becoming certified in the Climate Smart Community program.
Forces a Fresh Look at Local Climate Commitments. By mandating a reevaluation of old resolutions, the bill compels local governments to actively reconsider their climate plans, rather than letting earlier, possibly symbolic, commitments sit idle.
Aligns Local Efforts With Updated State Goals. The legislation requires that when local governments revisit their climate resolutions, they must consider the more recent and ambitious goals set by New York State law in 2019, pushing for greater use of renewable energy and deeper emissions cuts.
Creates a Deadline for Action. Local governments must complete this reevaluation and reconsideration within 120 days, introducing a sense of urgency and ensuring that climate action is prioritized rather than indefinitely delayed.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Review Climate Program Resolutions
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to environmental conservation
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
7320
IN SENATE
January 17, 2020
Introduced by Sen. MAY -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT in relation to directing certain local governments to reevaluate resolutions adopted pursuant to the objectives of the climate smart community program and reconsider registering with such program
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Notwithstanding any other provision of law and in order to revitalize the climate smart community program, any county, town, city or village in this state (hereafter "local government") that, on or before December 31, 2014, adopted a resolution to take action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and adapt to a changing climate pursuant to the objectives of the climate smart community program, and failed to register or become certified with such program, shall, within 120 days after the effective date of this act, reevaluate such resolution and reconsider registering with such program. When reevaluating such resolution, each local government shall consider the goals and objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize renewable energy systems as set forth in chapter 106 of the laws of 2019.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD14560-02-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act in relation to directing certain local governments to reevaluate resolutions adopted pursuant to the objectives of the climate smart community program and reconsider registering with such program
Purpose
The purpose of this bill to encourage increased participation in the climate smart communities program by local governments which have not reached certification after 5 years in the program.
Summary of provisions
The bill directs the reevaluation of those resolutions adopted more than 5 years ago by local governments pursuant to the objectives of the climate smart community program, as administered by the department of environmental conservation (DEC). When reevaluating such resolution, each local government shall consider the goals and objectives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and utilize renewable energy systems as set forth in chapter 106 of the laws of 2019 (the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act). Communities would have 120 days to make their reevaluations.
Justification
In the ten years since the DEC began the climate smart communities program, nearly 300 local governments have taken a pledge to increase clean energy use and reduce greenhouse gas emissions within their commu- nities. A series of steps and actions by them would lead to certif- ication as a "climate smart community" and could ultimately make them more eligible for certain funding by way of their achievements. Their actions also contribute to the state's collective work to reduce the effects of climate change and sets a good example for their neighboring communities.
Regrettably, over half of the communities which adopted resolutions more than 5 years ago have not completed the certification process. In light of this and in consideration of the goals and aggressive clean energy targets established by the new Climate Law, Ch. 106, Laws of 2019, a renewed approach is warranted. Directing the communities to reevaluate their original resolutions and to do so in light of the State's new standards will provide an opportunity to recommit themselves to the program, reach certification, and create a cleaner environment for their residents and the State as a whole.
Legislative history
New bill
Fiscal implications
None to the State
Effective date
Immediately
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.