Important legislation awaits action in Albany

The last day of session for the New York State Legislature is June 23. There are scores of important environmental bills on the table, regarding alternative energy, toxic sites, traffic congestion and much, much more. Your voice is crucial to making sure that our elected officials see the voters care about these issues – so make your voice heard today by joining NYLCV’s call to action.

This may finally be the year to end one of New York’s largest barriers to alternative energy, the state’s current net metering law. Also known as “turning the meter backwards,” net metering allows residential consumers to generate power and sell the excess energy back to utilities. But the existing New York law — one of the most restrictive in the nation — doesn’t allow commercial customers to do the same. That means the enormous potential of roofs (think malls, industrial parks and office buildings) to generate solar power is going untapped. Working with a broad coalition of labor, business and environmental groups, NYLCV is advocating for legislation that would allow commercial customers to sell up to 2 megawatts (2,000 kilowatts) back into the grid and expand the list of approved technologies.

After New York’s power-plant siting law — known as Article X — expired on Jan. 1, 2003, the Legislature has been unable to agree on how to streamline the permitting and regulation of new plants. Right now, new plants can still be built, but the review process requires power developers to seek permits from multiple agencies and local jurisdictions — a lengthy and complicated process. With the formation of a new State Energy Planning Board by Gov. David Paterson, plus new leadership by Sen. George Mazairz (R-Newfane) and Assemblyman Kevin Cahill (D-Kingston) in the Legislature’s Energy committees, there is renewed hope for Article X. Click here to join NYLCV’s call for a comprehensive state energy plan and ensure that renewable energy plays a big role.

The reform of the brownfields redevelopment law — which spurs the cleanup and revitalization of contaminated properties — is one of NYLCV’s top priorities. Due to flaws in the current legislation, the Brownfield Cleanup Program has yet to reach its full potential, and reform has stalled. That program, plus its accompanying tax credits, must be streamlined to allow for improved community planning through the principles of smart growth. Key members of the legislative and executive branches have indicated that brownfields reform will be a top priority for the end of the session. Click here to urge Albany to honor its word.

Although the Assembly has, for now, scuttled a bill that would have allowed better enforcement of bus-only lanes, it appears the Legislature hasn’t lost the momentum for traffic reform. Lawmakers are expected to reclassify “blocking the box” as a parking violation, rather than a traffic violation. The change means that traffic agents — not just uniformed police officers — can issue summonses. The goal is to increase enforcement of traffic laws intended to keep vehicles moving.

Finally, a package of tax credits that will help make New York City more sustainable is poised for passage. The first bill would allow the city government to grant a tax credit to property owners who have green roofs (rooftop gardens and green spaces). Green roofs moderate the effects of the sun, making indoor temperatures cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. They also absorb rainwater, helping to relieve the city’s overtaxed sewers, which currently overflow with sewage when it rains. The second would allow the city to grant property owners tax credits to offset the cost of purchasing and installing solar energy systems. The third and final bill would make it easier for people to buy high-efficiency vehicles, by allowing New York City to waive its portion of the state sales tax on such purchases.

Check back for the latest green legislative updates at www.nylcv.org.