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Bill

A 6501

Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study on sewage thermal energy

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe DeStefano and 3 co-sponsors

NYSERDA would study the technical, economic, environmental, and regulatory viability of recovering heat from wastewater for heating, cooling, or energy uses.

REFERRED TO ENERGY
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Bill Summary · A 6501

Summary of New York Assembly Bill A 6501

Overview

Bill A 6501 would require the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to conduct a feasibility study on sewage thermal energy, i.e., the potential to recover heat from municipal wastewater to meet heating, cooling, or other energy needs. The bill is currently referred to the Energy Committee and has no specified funding or implementation mandate beyond the study.

Purpose and Intent

  • Assess whether sewage thermal energy is technically and economically viable in New York
  • Identify potential applications, locations, and scales for use (e.g., district heating, industrial, or commercial/municipal cooling)
  • Inform future policy, funding opportunities, and pilot projects to advance clean energy and efficiency goals

Key Provisions (as stated)

  • Directs NYSERDA to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on sewage thermal energy
  • The study to evaluate:
    • Technical feasibility (availability and reliability of heat recovered from wastewater)
    • Economic viability (capital costs, operating costs, and potential returns)
    • Environmental impacts and benefits (emissions reductions, sustainability)
    • Regulatory and policy barriers or enabling conditions
    • Potential project types, locations, and scale for pilot implementations
    • Identification of implementation pathways and next steps
  • NYSERDA to prepare and provide a report with findings and recommendations to the Legislature and/or relevant state officials (exact reporting requirements/timeline not specified in the provided text)

Affected Parties and Beneficiaries

  • NYSERDA as the lead state agency conducting the study
  • Municipalities and utilities with wastewater infrastructure
  • Potential project developers and operators in the energy, heating, and cooling sectors
  • Ratepayers who could benefit from energy efficiency and potential future programs
  • State policymakers seeking to expand clean energy options and decarbonize energy use

Legislative Status and Process

  • Introduced: March 5, 2025
  • Status: REFERRED TO ENERGY
  • Legislative actions show the bill being placed in the Energy Committee on its introduction date
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary: Michael Durso
    • Cosponsors: Joe DeStefano, Josh Jensen, David McDonough
  • Related Bills:
    • A 10701 (prior-session)
    • S 1109 (companion)

Timeline and Procedural Notes

  • No specific timeframe for completing the study or for reporting is provided in the summary information available
  • As a referred bill, it would need committee action, and subsequently floor votes in the Assembly (and potentially Senate companion) before any enactment

Potential Impacts and Next Steps

  • If enacted, NYSERDA would undertake a structured feasibility assessment that could guide future policy decisions, pilot programs, and potential funding mechanisms for sewage thermal energy projects
  • Results could influence energy planning, waste-water infrastructure investments, and decarbonization strategies
  • Stakeholders may monitor for any amendments that specify timelines, funding, or the geographic scope of the study

If you’d like, I can add a simple comparison to related bills or draft a quick questions-to-ask-committee list based on typical feasibility-studies for energy technologies.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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