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S 7197

Relates to setback and financial requirements relating to the siting of battery energy storage systems

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Joe Addabbo and 2 co-sponsors

S 7197 would regulate where battery energy storage systems can be sited by imposing setback distances and associated financial requirements for siting.

REFERRED TO ENERGY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
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Bill Summary · S 7197

Summary of Senate Bill S 7197

Aims to establish or modify setback and financial requirements for the siting of battery energy storage systems (BESS). The bill is in early committee stage and has a companion in the Assembly.

Key Facts at a Glance

  • Bill: S 7197
  • Title: Relates to setback and financial requirements relating to the siting of battery energy storage systems
  • Primary sponsor: Joseph P. Addabbo Jr.
  • Cosponsors: Leroy Comrie, Toby Ann Stavisky
  • Status: Referred to the Senate Committee on Energy and Telecommunications
  • Introduced: April 3, 2025
  • Related: Assembly companion A 6955 (official companion bills exist in both houses)

Purpose and Intent

  • The bill seeks to regulate where battery energy storage systems can be located (setbacks) and to impose financial requirements associated with siting (financial assurances or related obligations). The exact setback distances or financial mechanisms are not specified in the provided summary.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Setback Requirements: Establishes or modifies required distances between BESS facilities and defined boundaries (e.g., property lines, residential areas, public spaces, or critical infrastructure). Specific distances are not listed in the summary.
  • Financial Requirements: Introduces financial prerequisites for siting BESS projects. This could encompass items such as financial assurances, bonds, insurance, decommissioning funds, or other monetary safeguards, though exact mechanisms are not detailed here.
  • Scope: Applies to siting of battery energy storage systems; likely relevant to developers, project developers, utilities, and local permitting authorities, though the text does not specify exact application parameters.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Developers and operators of battery energy storage systems (BESS) would be directly affected by any new setbacks and financial requirements.
  • Local governments, planning and zoning boards, and state energy authorities would apply or enforce the rules during permitting and siting decisions.
  • Potentially affected residents and neighboring properties due to changes in minimum setbacks or risk-related financial assurances.
  • Utilities and policymakers may need to adjust project planning, permitting timelines, and cost projections to comply with new requirements.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and first referred to the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee on April 3, 2025.
  • The bill has a companion in the Assembly (A 6955), indicating parallel consideration in both chambers.
  • No further actions (e.g., committee votes or floor consideration) are reflected in the provided information.

Next Steps

  • If the committee advances the bill, it would move through additional legislative stages (committee review, potential amendments, and floor votes) before any enactment.
  • Stakeholders may watch for the assembly counterpart (A 6955) and for any changes or amendments during committee hearings.

Note: Detailed text, specific setback distances, and the exact nature of the financial requirements are not provided in the available information.

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

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