Bill > S07648

This bill enacts the "Sustainable Building Materials Act," which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in construction through two main components. Part A establishes a sales tax exemption for low-carbon building materials, creating a comprehensive framework to incentivize the use of environmentally friendly construction products. The bill defines "low-carbon" materials as those that meet a global warming potential (GWP) threshold established by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, with exemptions applying to a wide range of materials including concrete, steel, engineered wood, insulation, flooring, and various other building components. Part B creates a grant program that reimburses concrete manufacturers up to $10,000 per plant for developing environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are third-party verified documents that provide transparent information about a product's environmental impact. Additionally, the bill requires the authority to conduct a study on embodied carbon in building codes, exploring potential recommendations for reducing carbon emissions in construction. The legislation is part of New York's broader climate goals, recognizing that nearly half of building emissions between 2020 and 2050 will come from embodied carbon, and seeking to position the state as a leader in low-carbon building material innovation and manufacturing.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7648