Environment

died · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6581: Excludes amphibians and reptiles from the definition of small game; repealer

This bill updates environmental conservation law regarding amphibians and reptiles. It redefines "small game" to exclude most native frogs (except bullfrogs), native salamanders, native lizards, and native snakes (except common snapping turtles). These species are instead added to the definition of "protected wildlife," subjecting them to different conservation measures. The bill also clarifies that only bullfrogs and common snapping turtles remain under specific regulations for taking, with the department determining the methods for bullfrogs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReclassifies amphibians/reptiles to protected wildlife, strengthening conservation measures instead of allowing hunting under small game rules.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 73: Relates to rechargeable battery recycling

Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires battery manufacturers to implement recycling plans, reducing waste and promoting resource conservation through mandatory recycling programs for rechargeable batteries.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Dec 12, 2025

A 1819: Enacts the monarch preservation plan

Enacts the monarch preservation plan requiring the department of environmental conservation to take feasible actions to conserve monarch butterflies and the unique habitats they depend upon for successful migration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires department to conserve monarch butterflies and habitats, directly advancing species protection and ecosystem conservation under environmental policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

vetoed · New York · Senate Dec 5, 2025

S 1126: Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay

Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay; imposes a five-year moratorium on placing sediment or fill in the borrow pits in Jamaica Bay.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects ecological study and imposes moratorium on sediment/fill in Jamaica Bay, protecting habitat restoration needs and preventing further environmental disturbance.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

signed · New York · Senate Sep 5, 2025

S 2457: Establishes the mechanical insulation energy savings program

Establishes the mechanical insulation energy savings program to provide grants for qualified mechanical insulation expenditures to school districts, public hospitals, public housing buildings, and political subdivisions that have completed a qualified audit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides state grants for energy efficiency in public buildings (schools, hospitals), directly funding essential services through budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides grants for school district mechanical insulation, improving school infrastructure and energy efficiency as part of funding support.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides grants for mechanical insulation to improve energy efficiency in public buildings, directly advancing energy savings goals through infrastructure investment.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds energy efficiency upgrades in public buildings, reducing energy consumption and associated emissions through mechanical insulation grants.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProvides grants for insulation in public housing buildings, directly funding housing infrastructure improvements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8428: Relates to the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage fish

Extends provisions of law relating to the authority of the department of environmental conservation to fix by regulation open seasons, size and catch limits and manner of taking fish from December 31, 2025 until December 31, 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends regulatory authority for fish conservation, maintaining existing protections without weakening environmental management standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8278: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage weakfish

This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's existing authority to manage weakfish (a type of fish) through December 31, 2028. It allows the department to continue setting specific fishing regulations, such as size limits, catch quotas, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, for weakfish. These rules must remain at least as strict as current requirements and align with federal and regional fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target weakfish in New York waters.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends strict fishing regulations for weakfish conservation, maintaining current protections per bill language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8281: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage blackfish

This bill (A 8281) extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage blackfish (a type of fish) until December 31, 2028. It allows the department to set specific regulations for blackfish, including size limits, catch quotas, fishing seasons, and gear restrictions, as long as these rules are at least as strict as existing state and federal fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target blackfish in New York waters by maintaining the regulatory framework for their management. This is a procedural extension of existing authority, not a new policy change.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates strict fishery regulations (size limits, quotas) at least as stringent as existing plans, directly advancing conservation of blackfish population under environmental management.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8280: Relates to the department of environmental conservation's management of hard clams, soft or steamer clams and razor clams

Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation from December 31, 2025 until December 31, 2028 to adopt by regulation measures for the management of hard clams, soft or steamer clams or razor clams.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends regulatory authority for clam conservation management, enabling ongoing protection of natural shellfish resources under environmental protection framework.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8018: Relates to the management of oysters

This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage oyster harvesting and sales from December 31, 2025, through December 31, 2027. It directly affects oyster fishermen, commercial harvesters, and businesses involved in oyster transportation, sale, and processing by allowing the Department to set specific rules during this period. Key provisions include the ability to establish size limits, catch and possession quotas, seasonal restrictions, closed areas, permit requirements, and gear regulations - ensuring any new rules are at least as strict as current standards. The bill does not create new management policies but extends the existing framework for oyster management. The bill was signed into law on July 29, 2025 (Chapter 193).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends DEC authority to set sustainable oyster harvesting rules (size limits, quotas), conserving marine resources and protecting ecosystems through regulated management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment