Bill > A00956

This bill amends the county law to allow county boards of supervisors or other legislative bodies to lease county-owned land for natural gas exploration, development, and production under specific conditions. The lease can be for up to five years, and if natural gas is being produced in commercially viable quantities during that period, the lease can be automatically extended for as long as gas continues to be produced. The bill references definitions of natural gas and liquefied natural gas from the environmental conservation law, and it essentially provides counties with more flexibility to enter into natural gas extraction agreements on their own lands. By removing previous restrictions on such leases, the bill aims to potentially create new revenue streams for counties through natural gas production. The legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment, giving counties an immediate option to pursue such leasing arrangements.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A956