Commercial landscapers, local governments and schools could become eligible for rebates on electric lawn equipment under one of three environmental bills Gov. Kathy Hochul signed Monday.
The governor's announcement said the new rebate program covers voluntary purchases of emission-free mowers and other landscaping equipment. Eligible buyers also include state agencies and authorities, private schools, universities and nonprofit organizations. The release did not specify rebate amounts or an application start date.
Supporters say replacing gas-powered equipment could reduce air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and noise. State Sen. Liz Krueger, a sponsor, said the incentives are intended to make a transition easier for landscaping companies and institutions.
A second law extends the period school districts can use savings on utility bills to pay for clean-energy upgrades. Districts may now recover the cost over as many as 25 years, up from 18. The longer window could make some energy-performance projects more affordable, according to Assemblymember Judy Griffin, who sponsored the measure.
The third bill authorizes the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York to provide financing for construction of the New York Climate Exchange on Governors Island. The planned campus, led by a nonprofit consortium with Stony Brook University, is intended for climate education and research and is projected to open in 2029. The financing authorization does not itself state an award amount.
The equipment rebate and school-financing changes have statewide reach; the climate exchange campus would be built in New York City.
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