Bill > A05526

This bill amends the New York State Energy Law and Executive Law to create a religious exemption for the installation and use of fossil fuel equipment and building systems. Specifically, the bill adds a new provision that allows individuals who hold genuine and sincere religious beliefs to install and use fossil fuel equipment if they can demonstrate that prohibiting such equipment would jeopardize their health and safety. The exemption is being added to existing regulations that generally restrict fossil fuel equipment in buildings, alongside other existing exemptions for emergency power systems, manufactured homes, and certain types of facilities like hospitals, agricultural buildings, and critical infrastructure. By introducing this religious exemption, the bill provides a pathway for people with deeply held religious beliefs to potentially continue using fossil fuel equipment in their buildings, even as the state moves towards more restrictive energy standards. The bill would take effect immediately upon passage, allowing for immediate implementation of the new religious exemption.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5526