A4098B

Assembly Bill 4098B, which would require telecommunications companies to study renewable energy compliance at their facilities, passed the Senate 45-16 on Calendar 220. The bill aims to bring telecom infrastructure into compliance with the state's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Sen. Parker, the bill's sponsor, argued the state can simultaneously expand broadband access and pursue renewable energy, noting that no telecommunications companies opposed the measure and that it applies only to large systems. Sen. Martins opposed the bill, contending it could hinder rural broadband expansion by prioritizing renewable energy requirements before the state has developed sufficient renewable grid capacity. Parker countered that New York remains a leader in technology and telecommunications infrastructure, and that the state is capable of pursuing both goals. The bill was moved from the controversial calendar to the noncontroversial calendar by agreement before the vote.