Summary

This bill would amend the public authorities law directing NYSERDA to create and manage a municipal renewable energy system siting database and to provide technical assistance to help promote renewable energy siting on municipally owned land. The bill would amend section 1902 of the public authorities law by adding municipally owned lands available for renewable siting to the list of properties prioritized by NYSERDA’s Build Ready Program.    

Explanation

The 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% zero-emission electricity by 2040. In order for New York State to meet these ambitious and vital mandates, it must be as easy as possible for municipalities across the state to deploy renewable energy systems.   This legislation directs NYSERDA to a create and maintain a centralized, publicly accessible database where local governments can identify municipally owned parcels that are available to host renewable energy systems. The regularly updated database would include detailed information about the properties, the type of renewable systems desired by the municipality, and any local laws that would have to be considered in the state’s Office of Renewable Energy Siting Permitting Process. These properties would also be eligible to participate in NYSERDA’s Build Ready Program to expedite permitting for any would-be developers.   The database will serve as another tool the state can use to achieve the renewable energy and zero-emission mandates of the CLCPA. It will help provide certainty for renewable energy developers by acting as a one-stop shop to match developers with willing municipal partners. With technical and permitting assistance from NYSERDA, communities can repurpose otherwise undesirable land and be assured that they will be able to enjoy the health and economic benefits renewable energy systems deliver on their terms.   

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