Bill > S08621

This bill modifies New York State's energy conservation construction code by reverting to earlier, less stringent energy efficiency standards. Specifically, the bill removes language related to the state's clean energy and climate agenda from the energy law, changes the reference point for energy codes from the most recently published standards to the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code for residential buildings and the 2016 ASHRAE (American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers) standard for commercial buildings, and eliminates provisions that required considering greenhouse gas emissions and societal effects when developing building codes. The bill now requires the state fire prevention and building code council to determine code standards primarily based on a simple ten-year cost-effectiveness calculation, comparing the cost of materials and installation against expected energy savings. Additionally, the bill repeals several subdivisions of the energy law related to the state's clean energy objectives, effectively rolling back recent energy efficiency and climate-focused building regulations to reduce construction costs.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S8621