Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.
Impact
The enactment of A09639 would significantly alter the landscape for siting renewable energy projects, particularly in regions identified as critical habitats for grassland birds. The law aims to safeguard these areas from the potential ecological consequences associated with the construction and operation of such facilities, thus supporting biodiversity and ecological balance. This decision aligns with broader conservation strategies, but also imposes new restrictions on energy developers who may seek to utilize these sites for renewable energy generation.
Summary
Bill A09639 proposes to amend the public service law in New York by prohibiting the issuance of siting permits for major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities within designated grassland bird conservation centers. This legislative measure identifies specific locations, including recognized centers in Jefferson and Saint Lawrence counties, among others, where such developments would not be allowed. The intention behind this bill is to enhance the protection of essential habitats for grassland birds, which are vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes due to infrastructural development.
Contention
Discussions around A09639 may reveal points of contention between environmental advocates advocating for the protection of wildlife and developers or energy advocates aiming for quicker expansion of renewable resources. Proponents argue that preserving these habitats is vital for maintaining biodiversity, while detractors could assert that such restrictions hinder the transition to cleaner energy sources. The conversations surrounding the bill could highlight the need for a balance between ecological preservation and advancing renewable energy infrastructure.
Same As
Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.
Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.
Requires a mitigation ratio of one acre for every acre of occupied grassland bird breeding habitat and three acres of mitigation for every acre of grassland bird wintering habitat included in a major electric transmission facility siting permit.
Requires a mitigation ratio of three acres of mitigation for every acre of occupied grassland bird breeding habitat and one acre of mitigation for every acre of grassland bird wintering habitat included in a major electric transmission facility siting permit.
Authorizes ORES to issue siting permits for battery energy storage systems for use by data centers, regardless of the expected storage or transmission capacity of such battery energy storage systems, and whether or not such battery energy storage systems will be co-located with renewable energy systems; requires data centers to submit carbon reduction plans.
Authorizes municipalities to require a permit for the construction of a major renewable energy facility, major electric transmission facility or certain major electric generating facilities.
Authorizes municipalities to require a permit for the construction of a major renewable energy facility, major electric transmission facility or certain major electric generating facilities.