BILL NUMBER: S10668
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
establishing the indigenous clean biofuel innovation and resource part-
nership pilot program to develop and deploy low-carbon bio-blended fuels
in alignment with the state's clean fuel standards; and making an appro-
priation therefor
 
PURPOSE:
To establish the Indigenous Clean Biofuel Innovation and Resource Part-
nership Pilot Program within the Department of Environmental Conserva-
tion to support the research, development, production, and deployment of
low-carbon bio-blended fuels through partnerships among New York State,
participating Indigenous Nations, academic institutions, and private-
sector partners.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 sets forth the Legislature's findings and intent, recognizing
the need to accelerate deployment of lower-carbon fuels, strengthen
in-state energy production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote
meaningful participation by Indigenous Nations in clean energy develop-
ment.
Section 2 adds a new section 19-0333 to the Environmental Conservation
Law establishing the Indigenous Clean Biofuel Innovation and Resource
Partnership Pilot Program. The bill defines key terms, establishes joint
administration of the program, requires government-to-government consul-
tation with participating Indigenous Nations, and provides for Indige-
nous participation in project development, operational oversight, and
long-term economic opportunities.
The program supports the development of bio-blended fuels utilizing
renewable feedstocks, investment in refining and blending infrastruc-
ture, research partnerships, workforce development, expansion of renewa-
ble fuel markets, and deployment through existing transportation and
heating fuel infrastructure.
The bill further requires that fuels developed under the program demon-
strate measurable lifecycle greenhouse gas reductions consistent with
New York's climate goals. The Department of Environmental Conservation
is directed to establish carbon intensity benchmarks, submit annual
reports to the Governor and Legislature, and conduct a comprehensive
evaluation after five years.
Section 3 appropriates $40 million to the Department of Environmental
Conservation to implement the pilot program.
Section 4 provides that the act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
New York has established ambitious climate and emissions reduction goals
while recognizing the need to maintain a reliable, affordable, and
resilient energy system. Low-carbon bio-blended fuels offer an opportu-
nity to reduce emissions from existing transportation and heating
infrastructure without requiring immediate replacement of vehicles,
equipment, or fuel distribution systems.
This legislation establishes a pilot program to evaluate innovative fuel
technologies that combine renewable biological feedstocks with conven-
tional fuels to reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions. By encourag-
ing research, infrastructure investment, and public-private collab-
oration, the program will help determine the effectiveness of these
technologies in advancing New York's clean energy objectives.
The bill also recognizes the importance of meaningful government-to-go-
vernment partnerships with Indigenous Nations. By providing opportu-
nities for participation in project development, ownership, workforce
training, and long-term economic benefits, the legislation seeks to
promote equitable participation in the emerging clean energy economy.
The pilot program includes accountability measures through annual
reporting, carbon intensity benchmarks, and a five-year program evalu-
ation to ensure that future policy decisions are informed by measurable
environmental, economic, and workforce outcomes.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
The bill appropriates $40 million from the State General Fund to the
Department of Environmental Conservation for implementation of the pilot
program.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.