New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

The authority was created in 1962 (Chapter 210) as the New York State Atomic Research and Development Authority, a public-benefit corporation with three members. Its purpose was to promote the development and use of atomic energy in New York State. To do this the authority was empowered to conduct atomic energy research and development activities; provide services necessary for the development and use of atomic energy, including the establishment and use of atomic energy facilities; serve as a clearinghouse for information on the uses of atomic power; and issue bonds to raise money to support its mandated activities. In 1964, the authority was renamed the New York State Atomic and Space Development Authority, and its powers were enlarged to include the development of space activities within the State as well as atomic energy activities. In addition, the membership of the authority was increased from three to five.

In 1975, the authority was renamed the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), and its mission was substantially redefined. Rather than focus on atomic power, the authority was directed to develop and promote new energy sources and technologies and to encourage energy-conservation technologies. Members of the new authority were the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, who served as chairperson, the chairpersons of the Public Service Commission and the New York State Power Authority, and eight members appointed by the governor. Membership of the authority was increased to 13 in 1980 (Chapter 196) by adding the commissioner of the State Energy Office, who served as chairperson, and an additional appointed member.

As a result of the Federal Low-Level Radioactive Waste Policy Act of 1985, all states were required to provide for the disposal of their own low-level radioactive wastes. In 1986 (Chapter 673), management of this type of waste was made the responsibility of the Energy Research and Development Authority. Under this statute, the authority must obtain the necessary licenses for, and construct and operate, a permanent low-level radioactive waste disposal facility in the State. In 1995, the State Energy Office was abolished (Chapter 83) and its functions, powers, and duties were transferred to NYSERDA.

The Authority consists of thirteen members, including the commissioner of the Department of Transportation, the commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation, the chair of the Public Service Commission, and the chair of the Power Authority of the State of New York, all of whom serve ex officio. The remaining nine members are appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, and must include a professional in the engineering or research science field; an economist; a member of a not-for-profit environmental group; a member of not-for-profit consumer group; an officer in a gas distribution utility; and an officer in an electric utility. The governor designate a chairman to preside over meetings and serve as liaison between members and Authority staff.