S07899 mandates that the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and its subsidiaries, as well as entities engaged through public-private partnerships, prioritize specific types of sites in their renewable energy development scoring criteria. The targeted infrastructure includes:
This structured approach aims to optimize the use of previously developed or underutilized sites, limiting the disruption of agricultural lands and sensitive ecosystems. The bill reinforces New York’s goal of balancing energy advancement with responsible land use management.
A landmark component of the bill is the formal legal definition of "agrivoltaics," recognizing the simultaneous use of land for both solar energy generation and agricultural production. Under S07899, agrivoltaic systems must:
This policy positions agrivoltaics as a core pillar of sustainable infrastructure development, offering dual economic and environmental benefits. It builds upon earlier efforts such as Senate Bill S7081 (2023), which initiated an agrivoltaics research program in New York.
The passage of S07899 would provide clear regulatory guidance and investment certainty for renewable energy developers, utilities, and agricultural stakeholders. It incentivizes projects that align with both grid modernization and farmland preservation, addressing industry concerns about land use conflicts.
Furthermore, by codifying site preference and agrivoltaics into law, New York is reinforcing its leadership role in integrating infrastructure resilience with renewable energy goals. This legislative move also complements the state’s ongoing push toward meeting its Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) targets.
Currently referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications, S07899 has yet to be brought to a floor vote. Industry observers anticipate active engagement from energy, agriculture, and environmental sectors as the bill progresses.
