Bill > A02003

This bill, named the "Rural Energy Freedom Act," amends the environmental conservation law to exempt wood burning from certain greenhouse gas emissions reduction requirements. Specifically, the bill creates a new provision that allows people to burn wood for indoor and outdoor recreation, building heating, and cooking without being subject to prohibitions or restrictions that were established by Chapter 106 of the 2019 laws (likely referring to New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act). This means that individuals and households would be free to use wood-burning stoves, fireplaces, and other wood-burning devices for heating, cooking, and recreational purposes without being constrained by potential emissions regulations. The exemption appears designed to protect traditional energy practices in rural areas and ensure that residents maintain flexibility in their energy and heating choices. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, providing an immediate carve-out for wood burning activities from broader climate change mitigation efforts.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2003