N.Y. Bill Aims for 100% Renewable Energy Cell Towers by 2031

A New York state Senate panel supported a wireless tower bill that would require cellphone companies and third-party infrastructure companies to submit plans to power all their towers with 100% renewable energy by 2031. Two Republicans voted no at the Energy and Telecommunications Committee’s livestreamed hearing Tuesday. Under S-4305, which goes next to a third-reading floor vote, companies would have to file plans with the New York Public Service Commission by Dec. 31, 2025. "New Yorkers deserve better than mandates,” protested ranking member Mario Mattera. “Why can't we transition to things when we're ready?” The technology already exists and moving to clean energy is important, responded bill sponsor and committee Chair Kevin Parker (D). Companies have several years before they have to get to 100% renewable, he added. Sen. Mark Walczyk (R) said local emergency medical services coordinators raised concerns about what it means for generators that provide backup power in many locations and sometimes primary power in rural areas. EMS should raise such concerns with Parker directly, the chair said: “This does not reduce or interfere with any redundancies.”