Environment

passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 4071: Includes stormwater in the definition of sewage for purposes of certain water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities

This bill amends multiple sections of New York's public authorities law to explicitly include "stormwater" in the legal definition of "sewage" for water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities. It adds a new definition stating "stormwater" means water runoff that exceeds soil absorption capacity during rain or melt events. The change directly affects these public authorities by expanding their regulatory scope to cover stormwater under existing sewage-related rules. The bill does not create new programs or funding but clarifies how stormwater is legally treated in water management frameworks. (164 words)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands sewage regulations to cover stormwater runoff, enhancing pollution control for waterways under existing authority85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1067: Establishes the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program and the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program fund

This bill establishes a program allowing individuals and nonprofit groups (like parks' friends organizations) to partner with New York State Parks to maintain and enhance designated trails. Participants sign agreements to preserve trails' natural, cultural, and historical features through activities such as litter removal, trail repairs, and installing benches or interpretive signs. The program includes specific rules for sponsor signage (circular, ≤5 inches, sponsor name ≤25% of sign) and creates a dedicated fund to support these stewardship efforts. It ensures no current park workers lose jobs or benefits due to the program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables community trail maintenance through litter removal and preservation of natural features, directly advancing environmental conservation and protection efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4033: Relates to the disposition of certain fines and penalties

This bill redirects fines and penalties from environmental conservation violations (such as violations of fishing rules or pollution regulations) into a dedicated "conservation enforcement account" within the state conservation fund, rather than the general state fund. It specifies that all fines collected under Titles 19, 21, and 27 of the environmental conservation law, plus related surcharges, must be deposited into this account. The funds are exclusively for enforcing environmental laws, including paying for enforcement staff, scientists, and legal support. This ensures these penalties directly support conservation enforcement efforts without replacing existing funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects environmental fines to dedicated conservation enforcement account, ensuring funds directly support environmental programs rather than general budget, promoting fiscal responsibility.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects environmental violation fines to dedicated conservation enforcement fund, ensuring resources directly support environmental law enforcement per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 2484: Directs the state energy planning board to conduct a study on time frames for preparing renewable energy facilities for clean energy storage and distribution

Directs the state energy planning board to conduct a study on time frames for replacing or upgrading battery energy storage systems at renewable energy facilities in preparation for clean energy storage and distribution across the state.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyDirects study on renewable energy storage upgrades, advancing clean energy infrastructure preparation and distribution readiness.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects study on renewable energy storage infrastructure for clean energy distribution, advancing environmental protection through clean energy promotion and grid modernization.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 2476: Requires the chair of the public service commission create rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the creation of a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program

Requires the chair of the public service commission create rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the creation of a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program to provide power through an extended outage.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates EV charging infrastructure pilot program, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and clean transportation infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates EV charging infrastructure, supporting clean energy adoption and reduced transportation emissions80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes sustainable transportation infrastructure by establishing EV charging pilot program for resilience during outages, aligning with transportation policy goals.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 5652: Establishes the natural carbon sequestration research program

Establishes the natural carbon sequestration research program to develop innovative science-based solutions to facilitate sequestration of carbon in New York's natural and working lands; provides funding for such program.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds natural carbon sequestration research, advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing emissions through science-based solutions.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds research for carbon sequestration in natural lands, directly advancing climate change mitigation and environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 8272: Includes Hague Brook in the list of inland waterways eligible for the local waterfront revitalization program

This bill adds Hague Brook to the list of waterways eligible for New York's local waterfront revitalization program. It directly affects communities along Hague Brook, allowing them to access state funding and support for projects like park improvements, erosion control, and public access. The key mechanism is an amendment to the executive law that expands the existing list of qualifying waterways, which already includes dozens of creeks and brooks across the state. The change makes Hague Brook formally eligible for the same revitalization resources available to other listed waterways.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds Hague Brook to waterfront program enabling erosion control and park projects, directly supporting waterway conservation and environmental protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 3315: Establishes the green affordable pre-electrification program

Establishes the green affordable pre-electrification program to assist owners and tenants in residential properties in curing structural and building code defects which render the properties ineligible for improvements or projects relating to energy savings, green-house gas emissions reductions, climate change adaptation and resiliency project grants.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables residential property upgrades for energy savings, emissions reductions, and climate resiliency grants, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and efficiency goals.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables residential properties to access energy savings and emissions reduction grants by addressing structural barriers, directly supporting climate adaptation and emissions goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill enables residential properties to access energy efficiency grants by fixing structural defects, reducing tenant costs and supporting affordable housing initiatives through climate-resilient upgrades.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 7132: Requires the establishment of a renewable hydrogen incentive program

Requires the establishment of a renewable hydrogen incentive program to support the production, processing, delivery, storage, or end use of hydrogen in New York for the purpose of meeting the greenhouse gas emissions goals of the climate leadership and community protection act (CLCPA).

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates renewable hydrogen incentive program to meet CLCPA climate goals, directly promoting clean energy infrastructure and renewable production per its explicit purpose.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes renewable hydrogen incentives to meet CLCPA greenhouse gas goals, directly advancing clean energy adoption and emissions reduction per bill's purpose.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 2474: Enacts the "H2 energy scale up act"

Enacts the "H2 energy scale up act"; authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide funds related to enabling clean hydrogen projects.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds clean hydrogen projects, a renewable energy infrastructure initiative, aligning with clean energy investment goals.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds clean hydrogen projects, a low-emission energy source promoting environmental protection and reducing carbon footprint.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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