Environment

This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to classify all waste containing source, byproduct, or special nuclear material as hazardous waste. The legislation removes a previous legal exclusion that had kept certain radioactive materials from being treated as hazardous waste under state regulations. This change directly affects entities responsible for managing and disposing of radioactive waste within the state, requiring them to comply with stricter hazardous waste handling standards. However, the bill includes a provision stating that this classification does not apply where federal law preempts the regulation or cleanup of such materials.

This bill creates a pilot program in New York's capital district and surrounding areas to capture black carbon pollution and repurpose it for manufacturing advanced solar technologies. The initiative requires the state to partner with Indigenous Nations, giving them significant roles in decision-making, site selection, and ownership of projects. It includes funding for cleaning up contaminated sites, building local solar manufacturing facilities, and installing solar systems on various lands while prioritizing disadvantaged communities. A $50 million appropriation is provided to cover the costs of this program, which will be evaluated after five years to determine if it should be expanded statewide.

Establishes the indigenous clean biofuel innovation and resource partnership pilot program to develop and deploy low-carbon bio-blended fuels in alignment with the state's clean fuel standards.

Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.

Requires net energy metering rates for residential customer-generators powering up to four units instead of compensation from the value of distributed energy resources compensation methodology or the value stack compensation methodology.

Establishes a state library of pre-approved residential construction plans which are in compliance with the uniform code and certified by climate region.

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare September 26, 2026, as Hunting and Fishing Day in New York. The resolution recognizes the long-standing tradition of hunting and fishing in the state and highlights how these activities support conservation efforts and the local economy. It notes that funds from hunting and fishing licenses help finance the Department of Environmental Conservation. The bill does not change any laws or regulations but serves as a formal acknowledgment of the importance of these outdoor activities. Copies of the resolution will be sent to the governor for her consideration.

This bill is a commemorative resolution honoring the New York State Conservation Council on its 93rd anniversary. It formally recognizes the organization's long history of protecting natural resources and advocates for outdoor recreation in New York. The resolution directs that copies of the document be sent to the Council's leadership as a gesture of appreciation.

This bill is a commemorative resolution that honors Riverkeeper for its 60th anniversary of protecting the Hudson River and New York's drinking water. It formally recognizes the organization's historical role in cleaning up pollution and its ongoing work to safeguard water quality and ecosystems. The resolution expresses the legislative body's gratitude for Riverkeeper's contributions and directs that a copy of the document be sent to the organization.

This bill designates June 13, 2026, as Dragonfly Day in New York to raise public awareness about the importance of dragonflies as indicators of wetland health. The resolution highlights how dragonflies help control mosquito populations and serves as a symbol for the need to protect wetland ecosystems from pollution and development. It emphasizes that healthy wetlands provide essential services like flood control and water filtration, urging the state to support nature-based solutions for climate resilience. The bill does not create new laws or funding but aims to encourage greater public attention on preserving these critical habitats.