To be eligible for the grants — which like similar existing incentives will be administered through the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) — building owners, including cooperative-apartment corporations and condominium associations, must follow "green building" standards. In developing the program, NYSERDA will consider existing standards such as those of the non-profit organization the U.S. Green Building Council, with issues LEED energy-efficient building certifications.

Guidelines for applying for the grant have not yet been established.

“As a state and as a nation, we need to take every step possible to reduce our dependency on fossil fuels and conserve energy and natural resources," the governor said in a statement. "This legislation is a step towards that goal."

Assemblyman Kevin Cahill, Chair of the Assembly Energy Committee said, "This legislation was a direct response to rising energy costs and new developments in green technology. Given the large amount of energy used by residential homes, meeting energy facilities owned and operated by state government and meeting energy and resource performance standards would result in decreased energy use and increased use of recycled materials."

The governor and First Lady Michele Paige Paterson are themselves committed to the “Greening the Mansion” initiative, which will culminate in the Executive Mansion becoming green-certified.