Climate Change & Resiliency
NY Office of Renewable Energy Siting Issues Draft Regulations to Facilitate Swift Development of Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects
On September 16, 2020, the newly formed Office of Renewable Energy Siting (“ORES”) issued draft regulations intended to streamline permitting and development of large-scale renewable energy projects in New York State. The draft regulations, which are now available for public comment, reflect New York’s ongoing effort to achieve the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s…
New York State Proposes Specific Greenhouse Gas Reduction Targets for 2030 and 2050
The New York State Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019 (CLCPA) requires statewide reductions of greenhouse gas emissions of 40% by 2030 and 85% by 2050, as compared to 1990 levels, in order to help slow the rate of global climate change. The CLCPA directed the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation…
NYCDOB to Issue Local Law 97 Adjustment Guidance in January 2021
Gina Bocra, the Chief Sustainability Officer for the New York City Department of Buildings (NYCDOB), recently announced that in January 2021, the agency expects to issue guidance on the process for obtaining an adjustment to buildings’ greenhouse gas emissions caps under Local Law 97 of 2019 (as amended through Local Law 147 of 2019). Such…
New York City Council Considers Amendment to Local Law 97 Affordable Housing Provisions
On May 28, 2020, New York City Councilmember Costa Constantinides, among others, introduced a bill—Int. No 1947—to significantly amend the affordable housing provisions of Local Law 97 of 2019. Local Law 97 and the technical amendments in Local Law 147 of 2019 require most new and existing buildings in New York City over 25,000 gross…
Public Service Commission Petitioned by NYSERDA To Fund Build-Ready Program
On June 5, 2020, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) petitioned the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) for approval and funding of NYSERDA’s proposed Build-Ready Program, a program that would advance large-scale renewable energy projects by identifying sites that are consistent with New York’s standards and are made build-ready for…
New York Solar Projects Face Compliance Challenges In Restarting Construction
All regions of New York State other than New York City have re-opened to construction activities, including residential and commercial solar energy projects. While there are no specific guidelines for solar construction, the State has published detailed guidelines for all construction projects (the “Guidance”). Projects must affirm their compliance with all State guidelines and post…