Bill

A 2603

Requires SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire energy management, materials management, and sustainability education and engagement employees

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Harvey Epstein and 3 co-sponsors

Requires SUNY and CUNY campuses to hire energy, materials, and sustainability staff to boost efficiency, sustainable purchasing, and student engagement.

REFERRED TO HIGHER EDUCATION

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · A 2603

Summary of Assembly Bill A 2603 (2025)

Overview

Bill A 2603 would require SUNY (State University of New York) and CUNY (City University of New York) campuses to hire dedicated staff in three areas: energy management, materials management, and sustainability education and engagement. The measure aims to strengthen institutions' capacity to manage energy use, procurement and waste practices, and student/community engagement around sustainability.

What the bill would do

Mandate that all SUNY and CUNY campuses employ personnel dedicated to:
- Energy management
- Materials management
- Sustainability education and engagement
Provide campuses with the responsibility to develop and implement programs and practices in these areas as part of campus operations and student affairs.

Key provisions (as described)

Establishment of hiring requirements for three sustainability-related staff roles on each campus.
Integration of these roles into campus operations to advance energy efficiency, sustainable procurement and materials management, and education/engagement around sustainability.
Expectation that campuses coordinate these efforts with broader state-level energy, climate, and sustainability goals (specific statutory alignments would be defined in the text of the bill).

Affected parties

Primary: SUNY and CUNY campuses, including campus administrations and facilities/operations staff.
Secondary: Students, faculty, and staff who benefit from improved energy efficiency, sustainable purchasing, and sustainability education and programs.

Timelines and procedural status

Introduced: January 21, 2025.
Legislative action: Referred to the Higher Education Committee (status shows 2025-01-21 as the date of referral; the action is listed twice in the record).
Companions/related bills:
- A 6536 (prior-session)
- S 1421 (companion) — listed as companion in the Senate
This bill’s progress will depend on committee action and potential amendments.

Fiscal and implementation considerations

The bill would likely entail new personnel costs for SUNY and CUNY campuses.
Fiscal analyses (not provided here) would be expected to address funding for hiring, ongoing salaries, and potential program costs, as well as any savings from improved energy efficiency and procurement practices.

Related legislation

A 6536 (prior-session bill)
S 1421 (companion in the Senate)

Bottom line

A 2603 proposes a structural staffing requirement at SUNY and CUNY campuses to advance energy management, materials management, and sustainability education/engagement, with the goal of improving operational efficiency and student engagement in sustainability initiatives. The bill is currently in the Higher Education committee and has both Assembly and Senate companion/related bills.

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