Prohibits the location and construction of wind turbines on Lake Erie.
Summary
A02553 would prohibit the construction or operation of wind turbines in the waters of Lake Erie that are within New York State’s jurisdiction. It does this by amending both the Public Service Law and the Environmental Conservation Law so that the relevant state agencies—the Public Service Commission/board and the Department of Environmental Conservation—may not issue the certificates or permits needed for such projects.
The bill is a targeted siting ban focused specifically on Lake Erie. If enacted, it would block future offshore or nearshore wind development in those state-controlled waters, regardless of whether a project otherwise met existing permitting requirements. The measure takes effect immediately and would apply to both construction and operation approvals, effectively foreclosing state authorization for wind turbines in that area.
Impact
The bill would amend two state regulatory frameworks: the Public Service Law, which governs certain energy facility approvals, and the Environmental Conservation Law, which governs environmental permitting. In practical terms, it would remove state authority to approve wind turbine projects in New York’s portion of Lake Erie, affecting developers, utilities, and any related infrastructure proposals tied to wind energy generation in that water body.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests the bill has some support but also meaningful opposition or hesitation. In the Assembly Energy Committee, it was held for consideration on a 11-5 vote, indicating the proposal was not unanimously embraced and remains under review rather than advancing cleanly. With no transcript available, the discussion context is limited, but the committee vote shows the bill is politically contested.
Contention
The main point of contention is the policy choice to prohibit wind turbines in Lake Erie altogether. Supporters likely view the ban as necessary to protect the lake, nearby uses, or local interests, while opponents are likely concerned about restricting renewable energy development and limiting state clean-energy siting options. The split committee vote indicates disagreement over balancing environmental protection, energy policy, and project development rights.
Energy: alternative sources; construction of wind turbines in the Great Lakes; prohibit. Amends title of 2008 PA 295 (MCL 460.1001 - 460.1232) & adds sec. 55.
Prohibits the granting of a certificate for the construction or operation of an on-shore or off-shore industrial wind turbine or wind farm within the jurisdiction and control of the state and within any area of the state outside of the city of New York unless a certificate for the construction or operation of an on-shore or off-shore industrial wind turbine or wind farm within geographic boundaries of or the shoreline adjacent to the city of New York is granted simultaneously.
Imposing the duty on Department of Environmental Protection to prohibit the construction or installation of wind turbines that negatively affect military installations.