Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities.
Impact
The bill impacts existing statutes within the Public Service Law regarding the local and state regulatory landscape for renewable energy projects. It stipulates tighter timelines for ORES to review applications—specifically extending the time allowed for determining if an application is complete. If the review processes are not completed within specified deadlines, applications may be automatically deemed complete, enhancing operational efficiency in the management of renewable energy siting.
Summary
Bill A11120 proposes significant reforms to the oversight procedures for siting major renewable energy facilities and electric transmission facilities in New York. The bill mandates the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to establish a centralized online dashboard that provides public access to information about siting permits, including project details, status updates, and procedural timelines. This aim of increased transparency is designed to improve public engagement and facilitate streamlined processes for renewable energy development.
Contention
Among the notable points of contention surrounding A11120 is its provision allowing ORES to bypass local laws deemed 'unreasonably burdensome' in light of environmental benefits and state climate targets. Critics argue that this undermines local governance and might lead to decisions that do not fully account for community-specific concerns, particularly regarding environmental and public health standards. Furthermore, the implications of overriding local regulations in favor of state-level streamline processes could provoke backlash from municipalities seeking to maintain control over local development standards.
Same As
Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facilities.
Relates to transparency and other requirements for applications submitted to ORES for siting of major renewable energy and major electric transmission 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.
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.
Repeals the major renewable energy development program, including the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission; and amends various provisions of law relating thereto.
Requires renewable energy data resources provided by NYSERDA to include mapping of certain capital projects with a value of greater than one million dollars for purposes of providing public information on the viability of siting of solar energy arrays, major renewable energy facilities, or major electric transmission facilities.
Requires renewable energy data resources provided by NYSERDA to include mapping of certain capital projects with a value of greater than one million dollars for purposes of providing public information on the viability of siting of solar energy arrays, major renewable energy facilities, or major electric transmission facilities.
Requires the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission to promptly publish applications for permits to site a major renewable energy facility or to site a major electric transmission facility.
Requires certain construction project contracts with a value of greater than or equal to five million dollars to include siting of renewable energy systems, qualified energy storage systems, or major electric transmission facilities.
Requires certain construction project contracts with a value of greater than or equal to five million dollars to include siting of renewable energy systems, qualified energy storage systems, or major electric transmission facilities.
Relates to qualified energy storage systems; authorizes energy storage permitting under the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission.