New York § 121 - 121Certificate of environmental compatibility and public need

Full text of New York New York Consolidated Laws § 121 — 121Certificate of environmental compatibility and public need, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 121. 121Certificate of environmental compatibility and public need

§ 121. Certificate of environmental compatibility and public need. 1. No person shall, after July first, nineteen hundred seventy, commence the preparation of the site for the construction of a major utility transmission facility in the state without having first obtained a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need (hereafter in this article called a "certificate") issued with respect to such facility by the commission. The replacement of existing with like facilities, as determined by the commission, shall not constitute the construction of a major utility transmission facility. Any facility with respect to which a certificate is required shall thereafter be built, maintained and operated in conformity with such certificate and any terms, limitations or conditions contained therein. A certificate may only be issued pursuant to this article. 2. A certificate may be transferred, subject to the approval of the commission, to a person who agrees to comply with the terms, limitations and conditions contained therein. 3. A certificate issued hereunder may be amended as herein provided. 4. This article shall not apply to any major utility transmission facility: a. For which, on or before July first, nineteen hundred seventy an application has been made for a license, permit, consent or approval from any federal, state or local commission, agency, board or regulatory body, in which application the location of the major utility transmission facility has been designated by the applicant; b. The construction of which has been approved by a municipality or public benefit corporation which has sold bonds or bond anticipation notes on or before July first, nineteen hundred seventy, the proceeds or part of the proceeds of which are to be used in payment therefor; or c. Over which any agency or department of the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction, or has jurisdiction concurrent with that of the state and has exercised such jurisdiction, to the exclusion of regulation of the facility by the state. 5. Any person intending to construct a major utility transmission facility excluded from this article pursuant to subdivision four may elect to waive such exclusion by delivering notice of such waiver to the commission. This article shall thereafter apply to each major utility transmission facility identified in such notice from the date of its receipt by the commission.

Source: official New York text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About New York § 121

What does New York Consolidated Laws § 121 cover?

Section 121 ("121Certificate of environmental compatibility and public need") is part of the New York Consolidated Laws, the codified statutory law of New York. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite New York § 121?

A common citation format is "New York Consolidated Laws § 121" (New York). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of New York law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the New York official source linked on this page or consult a licensed New York attorney.

How does New York § 121 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in New York can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in New York.