Assembly Bill A4793

                            
                    S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
________________________________________________________________________

                                  4793

                       2011-2012 Regular Sessions

                          I N  A S S E M B L Y

                            February 8, 2011
                               ___________

Introduced by M. of A. BARCLAY, THIELE, McDONOUGH, CROUCH, CALHOUN, KOLB
  --  Multi-Sponsored  by  --  M.  of  A.  GIGLIO, OAKS -- read once and
  referred to the Committee on Energy

AN ACT in relation to establishing the New York state task force on wind
  generating facilities siting; and providing for  the  repeal  of  such
  provisions upon expiration thereof

  THE  PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, REPRESENTED IN SENATE AND ASSEM-
BLY, DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  Section 1.  The New York state task force on wind  generating  facili-
ties  siting  is  hereby  established. The role of such task force shall
include, but not be limited to:
  1. analyzing the variety of current local processes  for  siting  wind
energy production facilities;
  2.  considering  establishing a standardized formula for the siting of
wind energy generating facilities to use the following factors:
  (a) proximity to residential areas;
  (b) availability of natural resources;
  (c) economic impact on the local community;
  (d) visual, audible and atmospheric impacts; and
  (e) impact on adjacent communities;
  3. investigating the possibility of a uniform permitting procedure for
the siting of wind energy generating facilities;
  4. studying the feasibility of establishing a statewide list of  prop-
erties  which  are appropriate for wind energy generating facilities and
the siting of such a facility would have no  impact  on  residential  or
neighboring communities; and
  5.  preparing and submitting a report to the governor and the legisla-
ture by December 31, 2013 that provides specific recommendations includ-
ing, but not limited to, the existing local laws on the siting  of  wind
energy  generating  facilities;  the  necessity of a statewide policy on

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD08700-01-1

              

A. 4793                             2

wind energy generating facilities;  and  the  possible  structure  of  a
statewide policy on wind energy generating facilities.
  S  2. 1.   The New York state task force on wind generating facilities
siting shall study the need for a uniform statewide policy regarding the
siting and permitting of wind energy generating facilities.
  2. Such task force shall consist of  fifteen  members  including:  the
commissioners of agriculture and markets, economic development, environ-
mental  conservation  and  health, the chairperson of the public service
commission, the chairperson of the New York state  energy  research  and
development authority, or a designee of any such officers. The remaining
nine  at-large members shall be appointed as follows: five members shall
be appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be a member, officer  or
employee  of a statewide association representing and advocating for the
interests of local governments and one of whom shall be a member,  offi-
cer  or employee of a statewide organization advocating on behalf of the
environment; one member shall be appointed by the temporary president of
the senate; one member shall be appointed by the minority leader of  the
senate;  one  member  shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly;
and one member shall be appointed by the minority leader of  the  assem-
bly.
  S  3. The chairperson of the New York state energy research and devel-
opment authority shall be the chairperson of the task force.
  S 4. The members of the task force shall serve without actual  compen-
sation, except the at-large members shall be allowed their necessary and
actual  expenses  incurred in the performance of their duties under this
act.
  S 5. The New York state  energy  research  and  development  authority
shall  provide the task force with such facilities, assistance, and data
as will enable the task force to carry out its powers and duties.  Addi-
tionally, all other departments or agencies of the state or subdivisions
thereof shall at the request of the chairperson, provide the task  force
with  such facilities, assistance and data as will enable the task force
to carry out its powers and duties.
  S 6. This act shall take effect immediately and shall  expire  and  be
deemed repealed December 31, 2013.