S4408

The New York State Senate passed legislation allowing renewable energy projects and transmission lines on state reforestation lands, advancing Gov. Hochul's clean energy agenda despite significant Republican opposition and environmental concerns. Senate Print 4408, sponsored by Sen. May, passed 42-13 on a roll call vote. The bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to permit solar, wind, battery storage, and transmission infrastructure on state-owned reforestation areas, primarily to facilitate connections between remote renewable energy installations and the power grid. Sen. Walczyk mounted an extended critique, questioning whether the bill's permissive language allowing solar and wind installations contradicts its stated focus on transmission lines. He raised concerns about inadequate compensation to the state—noting the bill references a $50 filing fee and negotiable royalties rather than the $1-per-tree fee specified in mining statutes—and argued the projects violate Article 14 of the New York Constitution, which dedicates reforestation lands to forest conservation. Sens. Lanza and Borrello opposed the measure, citing environmental damage from solar projects. Lanza described a Staten Island forest cleared for solar panels now covered in snow with unclear energy output. Borrello argued solar developers are "con artists" motivated by taxpayer subsidies who refuse to use brownfields or closed landfills, instead choosing to cut forests because it's cheaper. Sen. May countered that projects must not interfere with reforestation purposes and include robust SEQR environmental review protections. She emphasized transmission lines are the primary purpose, allowing remote solar and wind projects to connect to the grid. Sen. Harckham defended fixed-rate solar contracts as consumer protections against volatile fossil fuel prices, citing $30 billion in savings for Texas ratepayers over 10 years. The 13 senators voting no were all Republicans: Ashby, Borrello, Gallivan, Helming, Lanza, Mattera, Oberacker, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, and Weber.

The New York State Senate passed S4408, sponsored by Sen. May, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law. The bill received 41 votes in favor and 18 opposed. Senators voting against the measure included Ashby, Borrello, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, Chan, Griffo, Helming, Lanza, Martins, Mattera, Oberacker, O'Mara, Ortt, Rhoads, Stec, Tedisco, Walczyk, Weber and Weik. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment.