S1179

The New York State Senate passed S1179, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law. The bill passed on a roll call vote, 59-2, with Senators Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Weik voting in opposition. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The New York State Senate passed S1179, legislation to amend the Environmental Conservation Law and streamline solar installations on local park parking lots, by a vote of 61-2. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, allows community solar arrays on impervious surfaces at municipal recreational facilities without impacting green space. Harckham explained that the measure addresses a longstanding problem where the state's alienation process for public land use can take up to a year, causing developers' tax incentives to expire before projects can proceed. The bill has now passed the Senate twice in bipartisan fashion. Senators Griffo and Weik voted against the measure. Harckham called on the Assembly to pass the legislation, characterizing it as beneficial for municipalities seeking to advance climate and clean energy goals while providing constituents with more reliable, lower-cost energy options.