S1918

The Senate passed S1918, sponsored by Senator May, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, on a 45-16 vote. The bill proceeded directly to a roll call vote with no recorded floor debate. Sixteen senators voted in opposition: Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Murray, O'Mara, Rhoads, Rolison, Stec, Tedisco, Weber and Weik. The measure takes effect immediately upon enactment.

The New York State Senate passed legislation Monday allowing the Department of Environmental Conservation to grant renewable energy production and transmission rights on state reforestation lands, advancing Gov. Hochul's climate agenda despite Republican opposition. Senate Print 1918, sponsored by Sen. May, passed 46-16 on a largely party-line vote. The bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to permit DEC to lease reforestation lands for solar, wind, and transmission infrastructure when compatible with the lands' original conservation purposes. Opponents, led by Sen. Walczyk, argued the measure conflicts with Article 5 of the Environmental Conservation Law, which designates reforestation lands specifically for growing forests. Walczyk cited research from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry showing forests offset 15% of U.S. annual carbon emissions and that converting forests to solar production would reduce carbon sequestration capacity. He also noted the Climate Action Council's scoping plan emphasizes forest preservation rather than solar development on reforestation lands. Sen. May countered that the bill provides DEC discretion to prevent projects that interfere with reforestation goals. She emphasized that most anticipated use would be for transmission corridors connecting remote renewable energy projects, not clearing forests for solar arrays. May noted the state has 600,000 acres of reforestation lands, mostly previously cleared agricultural or logging land being replanted. All 16 nays came from Republican senators. The bill advances to the Assembly.