Bill > S04408

This bill amends the New York environmental conservation law to allow the state department to enter into agreements like leases or easements on reforestation lands specifically for developing renewable energy infrastructure. These agreements would permit solar and wind power installations on state-acquired lands, but with important restrictions: the renewable energy projects cannot interfere with the primary purpose of the reforestation areas as defined in the state constitution. The bill requires that any such agreements be publicly recorded in the office of general services and made available on their official website. By creating this new section of law (§ 9-0508), the legislation provides a legal framework for developing renewable energy on reforestation lands while maintaining the lands' core environmental and conservation purposes, essentially allowing for dual-use of these state-owned areas for both forest preservation and clean energy generation.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4408