The New York State Senate has passed the Public Renewables Transparency Act, a move aimed at bringing democratic oversight and public accountability to the state’s renewable energy planning.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris and Assemblymember Sarahana Shrestha, requires the New York Power Authority (NYPA) to release regular progress reports, maintain a public dashboard, hold accessible hearings, and join the state’s energy planning board.

The legislation is intended to support the implementation of the 2023 Build Public Renewables Act, which authorized NYPA to lead New York’s transition to publicly-owned renewable energy. Advocates have criticized NYPA’s strategic plan for only including 3.3 gigawatts (GW) of new renewables—far short of the 15 GW target called for by researchers, legislators, and over 5,300 public comments.

“To ensure the success of BPRA, the Public Renewables Transparency Act will allow the public into NYPA’s decision-making process,” said Gianaris.

Assemblymember Shrestha added, “If authorities like NYPA are to be the people’s corporations, public participation needs to be a serious priority.”

Supporters say the law is a critical step toward ensuring New York meets its climate goals while delivering affordable, union-supported green energy to communities statewide.