For more than a century, the hulking state Capitol building in Albany has hosted the seat of government in New York.

And on Monday, state lawmakers proposed legislation that is meant to modernize the Capitol as well as the adjacent state office complex by requiring it to one day be run on renewable energies. 

The bill, backed by Assemblyman John McDonald, Assemblywoman Pat Fahy and state Sen. Neil Breslin would transition both the Capitol and the Empire State Plaza buildings to cleaner forms of energy as the state more broadly seeks to end the use of carbon-based fuels in the coming decades. 

The effort is part of the broader enactment of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, known as the CLCPA.

"This measure would be a step forward in implementing the goals of the CLCPA and demonstrates a path for others to move toward transitioning to renewable energy," McDonald said. "New York state is already moving in this direction through implementing the Empire State Plaza solar project and we look forward to working to implement additional renewable options to further these efforts.”

Potential considerations for new forms of energy include geothermal heat, hydroelectricity and closed and open-loop heat exchanges. 

The masure could also benefit the surrounding Arbor Hill and Sheridan Hllow neighborhoods in Albany through the reduction of carbon emissions. 

“When we talk about a comprehensive transition to a 100% renewable energy grid and meeting our ambitious climate mandates, New York State must lead the way not just with policy—but action as well,” Fahy said. “Converting the State Capitol building’s and Empire State Plaza’s energy usage to 100% renewables will improve the health of local residents, exemplify New York’s commitment to combatting climate change, and reduce our Capital City’s carbon footprint.