Bill > S02109

This bill establishes a nine-member Distributed Generation for Community Solar Siting Commission to investigate and address the challenges facing community solar project development in New York State. The commission will be composed of members appointed by the governor, senate leadership, assembly leadership, and minority leaders, with at least some members having backgrounds in labor, solar development, and environmental fields. The commission's primary goal is to examine why community solar projects are experiencing delays and to identify solutions to accelerate their development. Specifically, the commission will explore issues such as state subsidy levels, local siting processes, utility company involvement, interconnection challenges, and the role of the energy research and development authority. The commission is required to hold hearings in each state economic development region, allowing for public input, and must produce a comprehensive report within one year that analyzes the current state of community solar, outlines challenges, and recommends policy changes to increase project development. This effort is part of New York's broader initiative to achieve 100% carbon-free energy by 2040, with an interim goal of 70% by 2030, and is motivated by concerns that the state is not currently on track to meet its renewable energy targets.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2109