Senator Kevin S. Parker Leads on Clean Energy and Affordability with Groundbreaking Electric Storage Incentive Bill

Justin Chaires

May 20, 2025

skp on senate floor

ALBANY, NY — On a crisp spring morning in Albany, Senator Kevin S. Parker stood before his colleagues and took another bold step toward reshaping New York’s energy future. With the introduction and advancement of Senate Bill S2470 Tax Abatement, Senator Parker is once again weaving innovation, equity, and environmental responsibility into the fabric of state policy—this time, by tackling one of the biggest challenges in clean energy: storage. 

While political leaders in Washington sow doubt about climate change and push to revive a fossil-fueled past, Senator Kevin S. Parker is charting a different course—one grounded in science, innovation, and justice. Senator Parker is reaffirming New York’s commitment to a clean energy future— and drawing a bold line between progress and denial.

 “As some national figures deny the reality of climate change and cling to outdated ideas, New York is moving forward,” said Senator Parker. “This bill is about taking control of our energy future—about preparing for the world as it is, not pretending it’s still the 1950s.”

 President Donald Trump and his allies have continued to undermine climate science and roll back key environmental protections, falsely framing clean energy as a threat rather than an opportunity. While they continue to block our state from starting renewable energy projects that would allow us to lower bills and create the generation we need. Fellow Republicans continue to use outdated lies and try to grandstand with inappropriate data and information to drive home false narratives. Senator Parker sees the danger in this rhetoric—and is responding with action. 

As Chair of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, Senator Parker has long understood that a cleaner grid isn’t just about producing more renewable power—it’s about being able to store it when it is needed most. His new bill offers real property tax abatements for electric energy storage systems installed between January 1, 2027, and January 1, 2029—a financial incentive designed to accelerate adoption and make innovative storage solutions accessible across New York. 

Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are crucial to the state’s climate goals but they’re intermittent by nature. The sun doesn’t always shine, and the wind doesn’t always blow. That’s where battery storage comes in. By capturing excess energy when production is high and saving it for times of peak demand, storage systems make the grid more reliable, more efficient, and more resilient. In short, they turn renewable energy from a hopeful idea into a dependable reality.

 “With the passage of my Tax Abatement Bill, we are taking a decisive step toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future for New York,” Senator Parker said. “By incentivizing electric energy storage, we’re not only advancing innovation and sustainability—we’re also strengthening our communities’ ability to meet tomorrow’s energy demands.”

 It’s a move that comes at a pivotal time. As the U.S. grapples with economic shifts and global trade tensions, Senator Parker sees energy independence as a cornerstone of economic resilience. “Technology keeps evolving,” he added, “and our policies must evolve with it.” 

S2470 is also a critical piece of the puzzle in achieving the goals laid out in New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), one of the most ambitious climate laws in the country. The CLCPA mandates a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and a 100% zero-emission electricity grid by 2040. It also ensures that disadvantaged communities receive at least 35% of the benefits of clean energy investments—making equity a legal requirement, not just a talking point. 

“New York is proving that you can lead on climate, grow the economy, and lift communities at the same time,” Parker said. “The CLCPA gives us the blueprint. My bill helps us build the infrastructure.”

 This isn’t the first time Senator Parker has led on energy issues—and it will not be the last. His record reads like a blueprint for a just transition: climate justice, green job creation, and expanding access to clean energy in communities too often left behind. For Senator Parker, energy policy is about more than kilowatts and carbon it’s about fairness, opportunity, and a future that works for everyone. 

With Senate Bill S2470, Senator Parker continues to define what it means to lead on clean energy—not just with bold ideas, but with policies that make a measurable difference in the lives of New Yorkers. The state’s path to a sustainable, equitable energy future just got a little clearer. 

For more information, please contact the offices of State Senator Kevin Parker

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