S2708A

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring utilities to submit implementation plans for advanced transmission technologies to the Public Service Commission, which may direct their deployment if cost-effective for ratepayers. Senate Print 2708A, sponsored by Sen. May, passed 40-18 on a roll call vote. The bill expands upon a previous version that was vetoed last year, now encompassing a broader range of advanced transmission technologies beyond grid-enhancing technologies. Sen. May argued the measure would reduce peak energy costs and save ratepayers tens of millions annually by enabling utilities to employ battery storage, grid optimization, and other technologies already proven effective in other states like Pennsylvania, where some markets have seen rate reductions up to 40 percent. Sen. Walczyk led opposition, contending the bill creates duplicative and expensive processes by requiring both utility implementation plans and a concurrent NYSERDA study, both funded by ratepayers. He also objected to language requiring utilities to plan for data center growth and argued the PSC's authority to "direct the timely deployment" of technologies makes implementation mandatory rather than voluntary. Sen. Harckham countered that the state's grid operates at only 50 percent efficiency and the bill simply requires studying technologies already in use nationwide. The bill takes effect 90 days after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring the Bridge Authority to install means-restricted fencing on its five Hudson River bridges to prevent suicides, with a vote of 60-0. Sen. Harckham, the bill's sponsor, cited a suicide crisis on the bridges, noting over 100 completed suicides since 2007 and 35 fatalities in the past five years alone. The legislation comes after the Bridge Authority, despite previously agreeing to study the proposal, failed to include means-restriction fencing in a recent request for proposals for Bear Mountain Bridge. Harckham emphasized that such suicides are preventable, noting that 80-90 percent of people reconsider suicide attempts if stopped the first time. The bill, which takes effect three years after becoming law, was supported by Sens. Skoufis, Hinchey, and Rolison, among others. The unanimous passage signals strong legislative support for addressing the ongoing suicide crisis at the state-operated bridges.