New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S00981

Introduced
1/8/25  
Refer
1/8/25  

Caption

Requires a utility corporation that trims, prunes or cuts trees, bushes or other vegetation on private property in connection with the servicing or protection of the supply or delivery lines or systems of the utility to arrange for the complete removal from the private property of the debris that results from such actions.

Summary

S00981 would amend the New York Public Service Law to require utility corporations to fully remove debris created when they trim, prune, or cut trees, bushes, or other vegetation on private property for the purpose of servicing or protecting utility supply or delivery lines or systems. The bill specifies that removal must include woodchip processing and/or hauling away downed trees or branches so they can be composted, recycled, or sold as tree-length lumber. The bill places the cost of this debris removal on the utility corporation rather than the property owner. It would take effect immediately upon enactment and would create a new statutory duty for utilities performing vegetation management work on private land.

Impact

The bill would add a new section 119-e to the Public Service Law, creating an explicit obligation for utility corporations to remove all resulting debris from private property after vegetation management related to utility infrastructure. This would shift responsibility and costs for cleanup from landowners to utilities, and could affect utility maintenance practices, contractor obligations, and customer relations in areas where line-clearance work is performed.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears aimed at addressing cleanup burdens left on private property after utility tree-trimming work, suggesting a consumer- and property-owner-friendly purpose.

Contention

The main likely point of contention is cost allocation: utilities would be required to bear the expense of complete debris removal, including hauling, processing, composting, recycling, or lumber recovery. Utilities may view this as an added operational and financial burden, while property owners and advocates for cleaner right-of-way maintenance would likely support the requirement. Another possible issue is the practical scope of what counts as complete removal and how utilities would implement the disposal requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KS HB2109

Exempting public utilities from civil liability relating to the attachment, access, operation, maintenance or removal of law enforcement equipment on any utility pole or other structure that is owned or operated by the public utility.

NY S08865

Requires a utility corporation or municipality to notify property owners at least five business days prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that will result in a planned interruption of a customer's property; requires notice to include, but not be limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

HI HCR69

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

HI SCR149

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define The Respective Obligations Of Property Owners, Lessees, Licensees, Permittees, And Holders Of Easements For Access, Utility, Or Other Purposes, For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

HI SR120

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define The Respective Obligations Of Property Owners, Lessees, Licensees, Permittees, And Holders Of Easements For Access, Utility, Or Other Purposes, For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

NY A11030

Requires a utility corporation or municipality to notify property owners at least five business days prior to beginning any non-emergency construction or other work that will result in a planned interruption of a customer's property; requires notice to include, but not be limited to, a description of the work to be performed, the expected duration of such work, the location of such work, and the contact information for the utility performing such work; exempts cases where a natural or man-made disaster or state of emergency occurs.

OR HB4025

Relating to the residential rates of public utilities; and prescribing an effective date.

HI HR62

Requesting The Office Of The State Fire Marshal To Convene A Vegetation Management Working Group To Study, Evaluate, And Make Recommendations For Regulations That Define Property Owner Obligations For Vegetation Management On Public And Private Property To Mitigate Wildfire Risk, And Make Recommendations That Define A Line Clearance Tree Trimmer And Establish Minimum Safety Standards, Training, And Qualifications For Individuals Performing Line Clearance Tree Trimming At Or Near Electric Utility Facilities.

NY S10115

Prohibits a gas corporation, electric corporation or municipality from charging more than three percent on an annual utility bill absent a showing that the charge is necessary to maintain the reliability and safety of the grid.

TX HB222

Relating to the management and removal of vegetation and debris by certain electric utilities.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.