Increases the number of entities to whom the New York state energy research and development authority must submit an annual report; requires the report to include a brief summary of all proceeds collected and administered by the authority pursuant to an order of the public service commission or pursuant to regulation, including, but not limited to, assessments, fees, taxes, transfers, corporate income or surcharges imposed on energy consumers or power generators.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A8410
SPONSOR: Barrett TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to the annual
reporting obligations of the New York state energy research and develop-
ment authority
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is increase the accessibility and transparency
of information related to the New York State Energy Research and Devel-
opment Authority's (NYSERDA) funding.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
The changes to paragraph (a) of this section of law would require NYSER-
DA submit a report the Authority already prepares to the chairs of the
Assembly and Senate Energy Committees.
The addition of subparagraph seven requires NYSERDA to prepare a brief
summary of how funds approved by the Public Service Commission or pursu-
ant to regulation are used and include such summary in their semi-annual
report.
JUSTIFICATION:
NYSERDA's standing as a public authority allows it to accomplish many
goals of the state that would not be possible if it were a traditional
state agency. However, as a public authority NYSERDA's funding is not
subject to the traditional state budget process that state agencies are.
NYSERDA receives funding from a variety of sources including charges on
utilities approved by the Public Service Commission as well as the
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, but since these funding sources
aren't subject to the state budget process NYSERDA is required to submit
a semi-annual report to the chairs of the legislative fiscal committees.
This bill would require those reports also be submitted to the chairs of
the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee and the Assembly
Energy Committee and include a brief summary of how these funds are
used. This will strengthen legislative oversight of NYSERDA and increase
transparency within state government.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Legislation.
FISCAL IMPACT:
None.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
The first of January next succeeding the date on which it shall have
become law.
