A2657A

Assembly Bill 2657A, an act to amend the Public Authorities Law and sponsored by Assemblymember Otis, was laid aside on the Senate floor at the request of Sen. Lanza.

The New York State Senate passed legislation authorizing NYSERDA to provide rebates to landscaping companies for battery-operated equipment, with a 54-8 vote on Calendar 593 (A2657A). The bill would fund the program through utility bill collections, with NYSERDA determining eligibility and funding allocation. Sponsor Sen. Liu, standing in for the absent bill sponsor, argued the program would reduce air and noise pollution and that NYSERDA has the expertise to manage the initiative without requiring additional ratepayer costs. However, Sen. Walczyk opposed the measure, arguing that ratepayers cannot afford to subsidize equipment for landscaping companies and questioning why the Governor's previous veto of similar legislation should be overridden. Walczyk raised concerns about undefined terms in the bill, the lack of battery quality standards, and whether battery producers would be responsible for recycling. He emphasized that constituents want lower energy bills, not additional programs subsidizing specialty projects. Eight senators voted against the measure.