AN ACT to amend the executive law, in relation to requiring funds received pursuant to mitigation payment requirements in furtherance of the major renewable energy development program to be used for farmland protection programs.

This bill would direct that any mitigation payments required by the major renewable energy development program be used for the state’s farmland protection program. Through the major renewable energy development program, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) requires an environmental review before granting a permit for a large-scale renewable energy facility and can seek a mitigation fee for impacts to certain soil groups.