Renewable Energy & Energy Development
NYC Buildings Receive Their First Energy Efficiency Grades
On October 1, 2020, buildings over 25,000 square feet in New York City received their first energy efficiency grades from the City Department of Buildings (“DOB”). Buildings must post the grade “in a conspicuous location near each public entrance to such building” by October 30, 2020. Failure to do so will result in a fine…
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 FERC Order No. 872 Likely to Increase Regulatory Burden on Small Renewable Energy Facilities
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently issued Final Order No. 872, implementing sweeping changes to the regulations that implement the Public Regulatory Policies Act of 1978, also known as PURPA. Although the Commission described the changes as a move to “modernize the Commission’s interpretation of PURPA,” the new regulations will likely pose significant challenges for…
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…
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…
