Bill Summary: A08696

• Establishes a new Board on Electric Generation Siting and the Environment within the Department of Public Service to review and issue certificates for major electric generating facilities (20+ megawatts) in New York State.

• Creates a comprehensive application and hearing process requiring applicants to submit detailed environmental and health impact studies, with pre-application scoping and 12-month maximum review timeline (extendable by up to 6 months in extraordinary circumstances).

• Establishes intervenor accounts funded by application fees ($250-$1,000 per kilowatt) to provide expert witness and legal funding for municipalities and community groups participating in certification proceedings.

• Sets emissions standards for major electric generating facilities including nitrogen oxide limits of 1.3 pounds per megawatt hour by May 2011, sulfur dioxide limits, mercury limits of 2.5 pounds per megawatt hour by January 2012, and a permanent carbon dioxide cap on fossil fuel units with 2.5% annual reductions beginning January 2015.

• Applies siting requirements to the Power Authority of the State of New York, Green Island Power Authority, and Long Island Power Authority for major electric generating facilities; expires December 31, 2020.