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NY S08712
Bill
Status
1/7/2026
Primary Sponsor
Michelle Hinchey
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AI Summary
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Defines "agrivoltaics" as the simultaneous use of land for solar power generation and agriculture, requiring integrated production of both solar energy and marketable agricultural products with decommissioning provisions to protect agricultural utility
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Requires the Office of Renewable Energy Siting (ORES) to prioritize previously developed sites for renewable energy permits, including brownfields, landfills, parking lots, warehouse distribution centers, correctional facilities, and retail establishments over 25,000 square feet
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Expands agricultural land protection standards to cover mineral soil groups 1-7 (previously 1-4) and mandates ORES ensure solar development does not threaten critical farmland mass or state food security, with a two-year review requirement
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Requires applicants to submit cumulative impact studies on regional food economy, affidavits of financial solvency, decommissioning plans with proof of surety bonds, and reports on impacts to prime soils and farmland of statewide and local importance
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Establishes a 1% farmland conservation fee on the price per acre of prime soil or farmland used for solar development, deposited into the agricultural and farmland viability protection fund, with an exemption for agrivoltaics projects
Legislative Description
Requires the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmission to establish and/or amend rules and regulations pertaining to standards related to the siting, design, construction and operation of major renewable energy facilities; requires such rules and regulations to include information relating to certain definitions, preapplication procedures, application procedures, farmland conservation fees, and farmland protection; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.
Last Action
PRINT NUMBER 8712A
2/25/2026