Scored 7/10 on whether it helps or hurts everyday people.
The Local Towns Bill
Local towns get final say on renewable plant sites
Authorizes local municipalities and political subdivisions to have final say on if a renewable energy power plant can be sited in such municipalities' or political subdivisions' jurisdiction; establishes conflict of interest standards for approving the siting of a renewable energy power plant in a local municipality or political subdivision; requires the office of renewable energy siting and electric transmissions establish a database to collect and display host agreements and land contracts for renewable energy power plants; establishes contract standards concerning the forfeiture of mineral rights for the siting of renewable energy power plants; regulates the conduct of businesses engaged in the conduct of selling renewable energy power plants.
Good for everyday people ·
The bill would let local towns approve or reject renewable energy plants, require transparency, and stop officials from profiting from deals.
Our take
What we think, in plain words.
If passed, residents could block unwanted wind or solar farms, see all contracts online, and trust that officials won’t earn money from approvals.
Take action
Add your name. At 100 signatures we compile this petition and deliver it to the office — and every signer gets a message to send their own representatives.
0 of 100 in‑district signatures
Step 1 · Pick your position
Step 2 · Add your name
Sign in to oppose this billPicking a side above doesn't sign anything yet — a free account records your name on the petition and keeps it one signature per person. We'll bring you straight back here with your choice saved.
The facts
What the bill actually says, no spin.
- Municipalities must give a written decision on renewable plant applications.
- Officials and their families cannot receive payment or land deals from projects they vote on.
- A public online database will show all host agreements and land contracts.
- Contracts cannot force landowners to give up mineral rights.
- Companies that sell renewable plants must follow new conduct rules.
In the news
Scanning the news for this bill…
Headlines gathered from across the news, starting points to explore, not endorsements. Always read the official text before acting.
Sources
Read it yourself: the official bill and records.
This bill is in the New York Bill Book 2026
The best and worst New York bills of 2026, one page each — our take on the left, the bill on the right, and room for your notes. No email needed.
Get the free PDF →