Bill > S08095

This bill modifies the public service law to establish specific mitigation requirements for electric transmission facilities that would impact grassland bird habitats in designated conservation centers. Specifically, when the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) reviews a permit for a major electric transmission facility that would affect grassland bird habitats, the bill mandates a mitigation ratio of three acres of replacement habitat for every acre of occupied grassland bird breeding habitat, and one acre of replacement habitat for every acre of grassland bird wintering habitat that would be taken. This requirement applies only to sites within a Department of Environmental Conservation designated grassland bird conservation center. The goal appears to be protecting sensitive bird habitats by ensuring that any development in these areas includes substantial habitat restoration or replacement, thus minimizing the ecological impact of infrastructure projects on local bird populations. The bill will take effect immediately upon passage, with a technical provision ensuring that these amendments are consistent with existing law.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8095