Loading chat...
NY A07584
Bill
Status
4/1/2025
Primary Sponsor
Donna Lupardo
Click for details
AI Summary
-
Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program under the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to provide grants for dual-use solar energy projects that combine solar power generation with agricultural production on the same land
-
Defines agrivoltaics as ground-mounted solar systems designed for simultaneous production of solar energy and marketable agricultural products, including crop production, animal husbandry, and livestock grazing (excludes sheep grazing or pollinator habitats as sole activities unless land was already used for those purposes)
-
Grants will fund identification of best practices for protecting soil health during construction and decommissioning, utilizing sustainable agricultural practices, monitoring benefits to farms, and tracking economic viability of commercialized projects
-
Requires NYSERDA to develop the program in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Public Service Commission, and Department of Environmental Conservation, including application processes requiring landowner consent and standards for impervious cover
-
Mandates biennial reporting to the Governor, Senate, and Assembly beginning one year after grants are distributed, with the act taking effect six months after becoming law
Legislative Description
Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program to provide grants to identify the best practices and strategies for agrivoltaics and dual-use solar energy projects that protect soil health during construction and decommissioning of solar arrays, utilize sustainable agricultural production practices, monitor any benefits solar energy may have on farms and to the state, track economic viability, study the commercialization of dual-use solar energy projects, and encourage equitable engagement of stakeholders.
Last Action
referred to ways and means
1/7/2026