NYSERDA board authorizes proposed RGGI rule changes, adopts SEQRA negative declaration

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority board voted to publish proposed amendments to the state's CO2 allowance auction program and adopted a negative declaration under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA).

Chief Policy Officer John Williams presented the proposal and told the board the agencies had completed an environmental assessment form and determined "the action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts." After discussion the board moved the resolution (referred to in the record as resolution number "17 86") and, following a verbal roll call of "Aye," Acting Chair Chuck Bell declared, "The resolution has been adopted." (The motion and second were called for on the record; mover and seconder were not specified in the transcript.)

The authorization directs NYSERDA to publish the Allowance Auction Program Amendments for a 60‑day public comment period and directs the agencies to review comments and, if needed, return to the board with adjustments and a final resolution. Williams said agencies plan to complete decision making in 2026 so New York can continue participation with other states when changes are scheduled to take effect beginning January 2027.

The action advances New York's process to align its CO2 allowance auction rules with changes agreed by participating RGGI states. The board's vote on the resolution was recorded verbally in the meeting transcript as unanimous; individual roll‑call votes were not listed.