Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to take certain actions to increase awareness for geothermal energy systems

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham

Directs NYSERDA to actively raise public awareness of geothermal energy systems, informing homeowners and businesses and boosting potential adoption of geothermal options.

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Basic information

Bill number: S 6391

Title: Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to take certain actions to increase awareness for geothermal energy systems

Status: REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Introduced: March 13, 2025

Primary sponsor: Pete Harckham

Related bills: S 7884 (prior-session)

Purpose and intent

The bill would authorize and require the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to take actions aimed at increasing public awareness of geothermal energy systems. The objective is to improve understanding and visibility of geothermal energy options, procedures, and potential benefits among stakeholders and the general public.

Key provisions (as stated)

The bill directs NYSERDA to undertake actions to increase awareness of geothermal energy systems.

Specific actions, methods, timelines, and any funding mechanisms are not detailed in the information provided. The exact scope of outreach (e.g., campaigns, educational materials, partnerships, or pilots) would be defined in the bill text.

Affected parties and impact

Primary entity affected: NYSERDA, which would be responsible for implementing the awareness-promoting activities.

Secondary affected groups: Homeowners, businesses, developers, installers, and other stakeholders in New York state who consider or use geothermal energy systems; and the general public that could benefit from greater awareness of geothermal options.

Potential impact, if implemented effectively, includes increased public knowledge about geothermal energy, potentially higher adoption rates of geothermal systems, and broader awareness of renewable energy solutions in New York.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill was introduced on March 13, 2025 and promptly referred to the Energy and Telecommunications committee.

The legislative actions list the same referral on the same date (duplicative entry in the record).

No additional action (e.g., committee vote, floor vote) is indicated in the provided information.

Additional notes

The sponsor is listed as Pete Harckham (primary).

The bill references S 7884 as a prior-session related measure, suggesting a similar objective or model existed in a previous session.

For a fuller understanding of the exact authorities granted to NYSERDA, any required funding, reporting obligations, and implementation timelines, the full bill text would be needed.

Bill