NY A00962

Prohibits electric corporations and municipalities from cutting trees within electricity distribution rights of way without complying with notice, certification, and consent requirements established in this article.

Requires 15-30 day advance written notice to municipalities, property owners, and adjacent landowners before tree cutting, including specific streets, dates, and contact information.

Mandates that pruning be certified by a designated arborist as necessary and limited to 25 percent of foliage per year, while tree removal requires arborist certification that the tree is dead, diseased, dangerous, or severely entangled with power lines.

Requires replacement tree planting upon request, with trees native to the region; if not requested, obligates the utility to mitigate environmental damage or contribute funds to the municipality for tree planting.

Establishes enforcement through stop work orders, injunctive relief, civil penalties of not less than $500 per damaged tree, and private civil actions by property owners for damages incurred from violations.