New York S 8031: Relates to the licensing of sign language interpreters and creates a state board for sign language interpreting

Bill Text

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S08031 Summary:

BILL NOS08031 

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SAME ASNo Same As

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SPONSORGONZALEZ

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COSPNSR

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MLTSPNSR

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Authorizes and directs the public service commission and the energy research and development authority to conduct a study to determine the possibility of closing peaker plants throughout the state.

Go to top S08031 Actions:

BILL NOS08031 

&nbsp

05/15/2025REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

01/07/2026REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Go to topS08031 Committee&nbspVotes:

Go to topS08031 Floor&nbspVotes:

There are no Assembly votes for this bill in this legislative session.

Go to topS08031 Text:

 STATE OF NEW YORK
 ________________________________________________________________________

 8031

 2025-2026 Regular Sessions

 IN SENATE

 May 15, 2025
 ___________

 Introduced by Sen. GONZALEZ -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
 printed to be committed to the Committee on Energy and Telecommuni-
 cations

 AN ACT in relation to authorizing and directing the public service
 commission and the New York state energy research and development
 authority to conduct a study to determine the possibility of closing
 peaker plant electric generating facilities; 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:

 1 Section 1. Legislative findings and intent. Peaker plants have been
 2 used to ensure grid reliability during high-demand periods. Peaker
 3 plants are not used routinely throughout the year but instead are used
 4 as backup energy sources in the event that the energy grid is under
 5 increased pressure. Grid operators spend a large amount of money on
 6 operating and maintaining these highly polluting plants so they can be
 7 ready to quickly start up at times of peak demand, which are rare but
 8 dangerous moments on the grid. Host communities where these power plants
 9 are located have borne the burden of these power plants for years
 10 concerning poor air quality, noise, and noxious odors. More than one-
 11 third of New York's peaker plants primarily burn oil and over three-
 12 quarters are at least 30 years old resulting in numerous inefficient
 13 plants with high rates of greenhouse gas and health-damaging pollutant
 14 emissions for every unit of electricity generated. Nearly a third of the
 15 plants are located in areas the state considers to be environmental
 16 justice communities (disadvantaged communities), where vulnerable popu-
 17 lations typically experience high levels of health and environmental
 18 burdens.
 19 § 2. For the purposes of this act, the following terms shall have the
 20 following meanings:
 21 (a) "peaker plant electric generating facility" shall mean a major
 22 electric generating facility as defined in paragraph b of subdivision
 23 one of section 19-0312 of the environmental conservation law that burns
 24 coal, oil, diesel, or natural gas and was operational and generated

 EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
 [ ] is old law to be omitted.
 LBD13056-01-5

 S. 8031 2

 1 electricity less than fifteen percent of the year during at least two
 2 years between 2014 and 2024;
 3 (b) "disadvantaged communities" shall mean areas burdened by cumula-
 4 tive environmental pollution and other hazards that can lead to negative
 5 public health effects; and
 6 (c) "renewable energy" shall have the same meaning as "renewable ener-
 7 gy systems" set forth in section 66-p of the public service law.
 8 § 3. The public service commission, in conjunction with the New York
 9 state energy research and development authority, is authorized and
 10 directed to conduct a study on the closure of peaker plants throughout
 11 New York state and the potential impact on the surrounding area. Such
 12 study shall include, but not be limited to:
 13 (a) the change in electricity wholesale prices, delivery rates, and
 14 total bills that energy consumers in this state will pay, including
 15 indirect energy costs;
 16 (b) identify other energy plants that can compensate for the peaker
 17 plant distribution of the energy grid;
 18 (c) the impact of renewable energy systems on the reliability of the
 19 electric system in the state, including, but n