Bill > S08610

This bill enacts the "Public Power Democracy Act" and makes significant changes to the governance of the Power Authority of the State of New York (PASNY). The bill increases the number of trustees from seven to seventeen, with trustees now being appointed by multiple entities: the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly. The new composition requires specific expertise among trustees, including experts in public finance, consumer advocacy, environmental justice, renewable energy siting, and labor representation. The bill also introduces new provisions for trustee termination, allowing removal by a majority vote of the legislature or the governor for reasons such as failing to meet renewable energy targets, conflicts of interest, or issues related to justice and ethics. Additionally, the bill modifies leadership terms, with the chair and vice-chair now serving two-year terms, and allows the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority and the Office of Renewable Energy Siting and Electric Transmission to appoint non-voting members. The changes aim to diversify expertise, increase accountability, and potentially improve the strategic direction of the state's power authority by broadening representation and establishing clearer performance expectations for trustees.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8610