Bill > A08996

This bill provides local governments (cities, towns, and villages, except for cities with populations over one million) with the ability to opt out of certain climate change and electrification mandates established by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). By adopting a resolution and filing it with the Department of Environmental Conservation, municipalities can exempt themselves from requirements related to universal electrification, building electrification, electric vehicle infrastructure, and energy source restrictions. The bill aims to give local governments more flexibility in addressing energy transitions, recognizing potential challenges with infrastructure, technological readiness, and economic impacts. Specifically, municipalities that opt out will not be penalized or denied funding, and they will be exempt from state energy conservation construction codes and mandates that require electrification or limit the use of traditional energy sources like natural gas. The legislative findings suggest that the current electrification policies may pose risks to ratepayers, local economies, and public safety, and that the opt-out provision allows communities to make energy choices more suited to their specific circumstances.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8996