Bill > A02720

This bill establishes the Solar for Schools Act, which creates a competitive grant program administered by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to help public school districts purchase and install solar and geothermal energy systems. The program will provide grants covering up to 50% of project costs for eligible school districts, with a particular focus on disadvantaged communities. Key provisions include requiring applicants to seek additional federal funding (such as from the Inflation Reduction Act), conducting facility site assessments, and prioritizing grants based on factors like geographical distribution, potential energy production, local climate conditions, and community needs. The bill mandates that solar and geothermal projects be considered public works, require project labor agreements, and prioritize using components manufactured in the United States. Importantly, the legislation ensures that the grants will not negatively impact existing school employees or their current working conditions. The program is funded with a $500 million appropriation and will run annually from the 2025-2026 academic year until the 2035-2036 academic year, after which the provisions will expire.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2720