Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham celebrated a significant legislative victory as the State Senate passed his bill (S.1179) for the fifth consecutive year. The bill aims to facilitate the installation of carport solar arrays on parking lots within public parks, empowering local governments to expand renewable energy initiatives. This legislation aligns with New York’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), reinforcing the state’s commitment to cleaner air and sustainable energy solutions while providing cost savings for municipalities and taxpayers.
Senator Harckham emphasized the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and underscored the importance of advancing renewable energy projects at the local level. The streamlined approval process outlined in the bill will expedite the deployment of solar projects, reduce carbon emissions, and generate revenue for communities.
The bipartisan support for the solar carport bill demonstrates a unified commitment to combatting climate change and promoting sustainable energy practices. With an overwhelming majority vote of 59 in favor to three against and one excused absence, the bill paves the way for municipalities to harness solar energy more efficiently.
Current regulations necessitate legislative approval for municipalities to utilize parkland airspace for solar projects above parking lots. This cumbersome process imposes administrative and financial burdens on communities seeking to embrace renewable energy solutions. Senator Harckham’s bill addresses this challenge by providing municipalities with the authority to proceed with solar energy projects without the need for legislative approval, streamlining the permitting process and facilitating timely implementation.
Support for the legislation has been widespread, garnering endorsement from various stakeholders and advocacy groups:
- Roger Downs, Conservation Director of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, highlighted the significance of solar canopies in advancing renewable energy goals and reducing permitting costs.
- Stephen J. Acquario, Executive Director of the New York State Association of Counties (NYSAC), emphasized the bill’s role in supporting renewable energy projects within county and municipal parks.
- Peter A. Baynes, Executive Director of the New York Conference of Mayors (NYCOM), praised the legislation for empowering cities and villages to develop solar projects in alignment with clean energy objectives.
- Peter McCartt, Director of Energy Conservation and Sustainability for Westchester County, emphasized the multifaceted benefits of solar canopies in park parking lots.
- Tim Guinee, Legislative Action Coordinator for the New York Climate Reality Project Chapters Reality Coalition, applauded the bill as a strategic measure to streamline renewable energy initiatives and combat climate change.
- Vivian McKenzie, Mayor of Peekskill, hailed the bill’s potential to accelerate solar energy adoption statewide, contributing to New York’s emissions reduction goals.
Senator Harckham’s bill represents a significant step forward in advancing renewable energy initiatives at the municipal level, reinforcing New York’s commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship.