New York Assembly Bill A02596

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/21/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Establishes new targets for offshore wind electricity generation; includes the requirements that there is at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, at least 18 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2045 and at least 20 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2050.

Summary

A02596 would revise New York’s climate and energy targets to set new, higher offshore wind generation goals beyond the existing 2035 benchmark. The bill amends the Public Service Law and Environmental Conservation Law to require at least 15 gigawatts of offshore wind electricity generation by 2040, 18 gigawatts by 2045, and 20 gigawatts by 2050, while preserving the existing 9-gigawatt by 2035 target. It also updates related references in the state’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act framework so these new targets become part of the state’s long-term clean energy planning.

Impact

The bill would change several provisions of New York law that implement the CLCPA by expanding the offshore wind procurement and planning obligations of the Public Service Commission and state load-serving entities. It would not create a new program from scratch, but would amend existing statutory targets and procurement requirements, thereby affecting state energy policy, utility planning, renewable energy development, and offshore wind project pipelines. The bill’s immediate effect would be to make the higher offshore wind goals part of the state’s legally recognized climate targets.

Sentiment

Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the bill appears to be framed positively as a climate and clean-energy measure. The broad list of sponsors suggests substantial support among Assembly members, especially those aligned with renewable energy and climate policy goals. No contrary views are documented in the supplied record, so the available context indicates generally favorable sentiment.

Contention

The main policy issue likely concerns the feasibility and cost of scaling offshore wind to 15, 18, and 20 gigawatts over the next several decades, including transmission buildout, procurement timelines, supply-chain capacity, and potential impacts on ratepayers. Supporters would likely view the bill as necessary to keep New York on track toward decarbonization and energy transition goals, while critics may question whether the targets are realistic or whether the state should lock in more aggressive mandates before existing offshore wind projects are fully developed. No specific objections are recorded in the provided committee or vote history.