BILL NUMBER: S7284
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act directing the department of public service, New York state energy
research and development authority, and the power authority of the state
of New York to commission a study on the utilization of directional
noise reduction optimization technology for wind turbines in New York
state
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
The purpose of this bill is to better understand the use of DNRO tech-
nology on onshore wind renewable energy projects.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1. Requires the Department of Public Service, New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority and the New York Power Author-
ity to commission a study on the utilization of DNRO technology for wind
turbines in NYS.
Section 2. Stipulates specific requirements which must be a part of the
study.
Section 3. Provides that upon completion, recommendations shall be made,
if appropriate, as to any statutory or regulatory amendments needed.
Section 4. Provides that the study shall be commissioned within 180 days
of the effective date and recommendations provided to the legislature
within one year of such commissioning date.
Section 5. Sets an immediate effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Article VIII of the New York State Public Service Law (NY Pub. Serv.
Law § 160 et seq.) consolidates the environmental review, permitting,
and siting of major renewable energy facilities in the State and
includes specific requirements concerning sound levels for wind turbines
to ensure they operate within acceptable noise limits and minimize
impacts on surrounding communities. If noise levels exceed the permis-
sible limits in Article VIII or other applicable laws, wind turbine
operators must implement mitigation measures to reduce sound to accepta-
ble levels. These measures can include technological adjustments to the
turbines such as curtailing turbine operation during certain times and
under certain wind conditions. These technological adjustments are often
referred to as Noise Reduced Operations or NROs. When a turbine operates
in an NRO mode, the turbine operates at reduced capacity with reduced
energy output. To address this loss of capacity, modern wind turbine
manufacturers offer Directional Noise Reduction Optimization or DNRO,
which activates these technological adjustments only when wind direction
is within a certain range. While reducing noise in certain directions,
the turbine can still operate at optimal power in other wind directions,
this allows for noise mitigation without significantly impacting power
production in most wind conditions. DNRO represents an innovative
approach to managing noise emissions of wind turbines while enhancing
their operational efficiency. This study aims to provide the necessary
scientific and technical data to inform policy decisions and ensure that
New York State can maximize its renewable energy output while maintain-
ing compliance with noise regulations.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act would take effect immediately.