Bill > A08353

This bill amends the Public Service Law and the Executive Law to require financial security for the reclamation of solar and wind electric generating systems. The key provisions are: 1. Applicants for solar or wind electric generating systems must provide financial security, such as a bond, to ensure the performance of reclamation as approved by the Public Service Commission (PSC) or the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES). 2. The amount of the financial security will be based on the estimated cost of reclaiming the affected land, as determined by the PSC or ORES. 3. The financial security must remain in effect until the reclamation is approved, and the applicant must provide a replacement if the security is canceled. 4. If the applicant fails to commence or complete the required reclamation, the PSC or ORES can use the financial security to cover the costs, and the applicant remains personally liable for any additional costs. 5. Political subdivisions, municipalities, and federal and state agencies are exempt from these requirements. The bill is intended to ensure that solar and wind electric generating systems are properly decommissioned and the land is reclaimed when the systems are no longer in use.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2021/A8353