NY A06667

Requires utility transmission facility applicants to evaluate significant and adverse disproportionate environmental impacts on environmental justice areas and submit findings to the Public Service Commission.

Mandates that if the Commission finds a facility causes disproportionate environmental impacts in an environmental justice area, the applicant must avoid, offset, or minimize those impacts using verifiable measures for the certificate duration.

Requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to promulgate rules and regulations within 12 months defining environmental justice areas and establishing comprehensive demographic, economic, and physical impact analysis standards including population, racial/ethnic characteristics, income levels, and public health data.

Mandates meaningful public involvement of affected citizens regardless of age, race, color, national origin, or income in the facility approval process.

Prohibits the Public Service Commission from accepting new transmission facility certificate applications until the Department of Environmental Conservation completes the required environmental justice rules and regulations.