BILL NUMBER: S4399
SPONSOR: COMRIE
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing
environmental standards for public authorities
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would require the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to
meet certain energy conservation targets, prepare and implement energy
conservation and waste management plans.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill adds a new article X-A to Chapter 154 of the
laws of 1921 to impose energy conservation standards on the Port Author-
ity of New York and New Jersey. Among other things, this legislation
would:
* establish energy conservation targets and timetables to be met by the
Port Authority to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, overall energy
consumption and water usage.
* require the Port Authority to reduce overall energy consumption at
their buildings and facilities;
* set out provisions for an energy assessment and efficiency plan,
requiring the Port Authority to conduct an annual onsite assessment and
evaluation of energy and water consumption.
* require the Port Authority to prepare and implement an energy conser-
vation plan and a solid waste management plan;
* require the Port Authority to appoint an energy conservation coordina-
tor to organize, coordinate, oversee and report on its energy conserva-
tion activities;
* provide that the design and construction of any new buildings or
facilities or the substantial renovation of an existing building or
facility by the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey shall comply
with the environmental and sustainability standards promulgated by the
state department of environmental conservation and the state department
of environmental protection.
* require all purchases made by the Port Authority to be from lists and
specifications promulgated by the NYS OGS and NJ Division of Purchase
and Property; and
* require NYS DEC and NJ DEP to establish a state authorities energy
conservation council to approve plans submitted by the,Port Authority,
and to monitor and report on the actions taken by the Port Authority to
meet the.energy conservation targets and timetables, 1
Section two of the bill sets forth the severability clause. Section
three provides the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
There is no disagreement or dispute over the importance and need to
conserve energy and reduce our dependence on non-renewable energy sourc-
es.
To both protect the environment and to reduce costs, it is vital to
reduce energy consumption and produce cost savings in the operations of
this large bi-state authority.
To achieve these goals, this bill will require the Port Authority to
* benchmark its historic and current usage patterns;
* take an inventory of its energy conservation activities;
* identify and prioritize buildings and facilities of 10,000 square feet
or more for energy efficiency upgrades;
* assess its energy and water usage, and develop and implement a plan to
meet certain energy conservation targets and timetables;
* develop and implement a plan to manage waste disposal; and *report on
the progress of meeting the targets and timetables. By setting clean
energy targets and developing energy conservation practices, the Port
Authority can also play an important role in the development and support
of new and local green technologies, fostering innovation and benefit-
ting the New York and New Jersey economies.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
S4405 2024
S5826 2022 A.9998 of 2018, referred to corporations, authorities and
commissions. Same as S.8367 of 2018, committed to finance.
A.3613 of 2017, referred to corporations, authorities and commissions.
A.6765 of 2015 and 2016, referred to ways and means in 2015 and referred
to corporations, authorities and commissions in 2016.
A.10597 of 2012, referred to ways and means.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This.act shall take effect upon the state of New Jersey passing legis-
lation; or immediately if they have already passed such legislation.