NY A01506

Adds Article 3 to Public Service Law establishing regulations for tree cutting, topping, and removal by electric corporations and municipalities along electricity distribution lines.

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

Permits pruning only when an arborist designated by the Department of Agriculture and Markets certifies the tree part is dead, diseased, broken, or poses danger to electric lines, with a limit of 25% foliage removal per annual growing season.

Allows tree removal only with arborist certification that the tree is dead, diseased, broken, severely entangled with lines, or poses danger, and requires written consent from all noticed parties at least 5 days before removal.

Requires replacement tree planting upon request from property owners or municipalities, with terms determined by the Public Service Commission within 45 days if parties cannot agree; if no replacement is requested, the utility must take environmental mitigation measures or contribute funds for community tree planting.

Establishes enforcement powers for the Public Service Commission to issue stop work orders and seek injunctive relief, allows property owners to sue for damages, and imposes civil penalties of at least $500 per damaged tree.