Requires a study on the national electric safety code line height standard for overhead utility lines and communication lines as such relate to the height of agricultural equipment and other heavy duty equipment.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A2368
SPONSOR: Stirpe TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public service law, in relation to requiring a study
on the height of overhead utility lines and communication lines as such
relate to the height of agricultural equipment and other heavy duty
equipment; and providing for the repeal of such provisions upon expira-
tion thereof
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this bill is to have the chairperson of the Public
Service Commission conduct a study to determine whether the use of and
compliance with national electric safety code line height that sets the
height parameters for overhead utility lines and communication lines is
compatible with the height of agricultural equipment and other heavy
duty equipment that travel below such lines.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section 1: Amends Public Service Law by adding a new section 28 direct-
ing the chairperson of the Public Service Commission to conduct the
study and defines the scope of the study.
Section 2: Sets effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
Currently, the National Electric Safety Code's minimum height require-
ments for communications lines (cable tv, phone, fiber, etc.) and
neutral lines is 15.5 ft. According the New York Farm Bureau, this
height is not compatible for modern farm equipment. As a result, there
have been instances, according to the Bureau, where farmers cannot
access their fields without hitting lines.
Farmers often see these new lines going up and try to work with utility
companies to either raise the lines or bury a portion of them to provide
access to their fields. Unfortunately, not every effort produces the
desired result. Furthermore, there are instances in which farmers do not
know of lines that are constructed until after the completion of
construction whereupon it is too late to work with the companies erect-
ing the lines to address height concerns.
Therefore, this bill is being introduced to determine whether the
National Electric Safety Code line height standard is compatible with
the increased size of agricultural equipment and other off-road heavy-
duty equipment to ensure safe passage of such equipment under lines and
cables.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2022: A.10317 - Referred to Energy
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To Be Determined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately and shall expire and be deemed
repealed January 1, 2026.
