Environment

passed · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 548: Authorizes the state to convey certain forest preserve land

Authorizes the state to convey certain forest preserve land; provides such sale shall be subject to legislative approval and the proceeds of such conveyance shall be used for acquisitions to the forest preserve.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs sale proceeds to acquire additional forest preserve land, actively expanding conservation efforts rather than depleting resources.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 2493: Relates to the community air monitoring program

Requires that an assessment of the role that permit approvals for air contamination sources plays in contributing to stationary and mobile sources of air pollution be included in an addendum to the strategies for the development of community emission reduction programs; requires disclosure of last mile warehouse permits.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires assessment of permit impacts on air pollution and disclosure of warehouse permits to inform community emission reduction strategies, enhancing environmental transparency and accountability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4691: Prohibits the sale and distribution of certain mercury-added lamps

Prohibits the sale and distribution of compact fluorescent mercury-added lamps and linear fluorescent mercury-added lamps on and after January 1, 2029; provides exceptions; allows for sale of otherwise prohibited lamps from existing stock acquired prior to such date.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits mercury-added lamps, reducing environmental pollution from mercury emissions, a key pollution control measure in environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 7, 2026

S 9478: Prohibits incentives for the siting or operation of commercial renewable energy systems in sensitive environmental areas

This bill prohibits government incentives for commercial renewable energy projects like solar farms in sensitive environmental areas and on active farmland, with specific exceptions for agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power with agriculture. It removes eligibility for financial assistance, zero emission credits, and tax exemptions for such projects located in critical environmental areas, bird conservation zones, grassland bird centers, and wildlife management areas. The legislation also formally defines agrivoltaics as solar systems that simultaneously produce energy and agricultural products without displacing farming activities, while excluding certain practices like sole reliance on pollinator habitats or sheep grazing. These changes directly affect developers proposing renewable energy projects and government agencies administering agricultural and environmental programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill removes financial assistance, zero emission credits, and tax exemptions for renewable energy projects, restricting government spending incentives and limiting fiscal support for clean energy initiatives.85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill prohibits incentives for renewable energy systems in sensitive areas, restricting development and limiting financial support for clean energy projects.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill restricts renewable energy projects in sensitive areas by removing financial incentives, which limits clean energy deployment and environmental protection efforts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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failed · New York · Senate May 6, 2026

S 1167: Repeals the prohibition on fossil fuel equipment and building systems in new buildings; repealer

This bill repeals a future rule that would have prohibited fossil fuel equipment (like gas furnaces or water heaters) in new buildings starting in 2026. It removes the restriction from state law, meaning new buildings constructed after 2026 could still use fossil fuel-based systems without legal barriers. The repeal directly affects builders, developers, and property owners constructing new buildings in New York State. The change takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRepeals prohibition on fossil fuel equipment in new buildings, allowing continued use of gas systems and opposing clean energy transition standards.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals prohibition on fossil fuel equipment in new buildings, removing a 2026 restriction that would have reduced emissions. Allows continued use of gas systems, weakening environmental protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 6, 2026

S 2638: Relates to proceeds from the auction or sale of carbon dioxide emission allowances

Prohibits proceeds from the auction or sale of carbon dioxide emission allowances pursuant to New York's participation in the regional greenhouse gas initiative (RGGI) from being transferred into the state general fund; provides that if such proceeds are transferred to the state general fund, they shall be used for the purposes directed by the RGGI.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates carbon allowance proceeds fund RGGI initiatives, directly supporting emissions reduction and clean energy investment under New York's climate program.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents diversion of RGGI auction funds from environmental programs, ensuring dedicated funding for emissions reduction under New York's climate initiative.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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failed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 2712: Directs the public service commission to conduct a full cost benefit analysis on renewable energy systems; and makes changes in relation to greenhouse gas emission limits

Directs the public service commission to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy systems in the state of New York and to compare such directly with other methods of electricity generation; makes certain changes relating to greenhouse gas emissions limits.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates cost-benefit analysis of renewables vs. other energy sources and adjusts greenhouse gas limits to promote clean energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects cost-benefit analysis for renewables and modifies greenhouse gas limits, promoting clean energy adoption and emission reductions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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failed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 5611: Establishes a climate action cost council; limits the number of rules and regulations that may be promulgated annually regarding certain climate goals

This bill establishes a 9-member Climate Action Cost Council to review climate-related regulations. State agencies must get the council’s 2/3 approval before adopting new rules to meet climate goals, and can issue no more than five such rules annually. The council must consider costs to businesses and ratepayers, grid reliability, and emissions reductions before approving proposals. Agencies must notify the council 60 days in advance of proposed rules, and the council will report annual costs and emissions data to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill limits annual climate regulations to 5, requiring council approval, restricting implementation of clean energy policies and emissions standards.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill requires 2/3 council approval for climate regulations and caps annual rules at five, prioritizing business costs over emissions reductions, restricting environmental regulation implementation.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 5014: Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products

Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans importation/possession of African wildlife trophies to protect endangered species, directly advancing conservation goals per environmental topic definition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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died · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 1343: Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes clean fuel standard to reduce greenhouse gas intensity in transportation, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes clean fuel standard to reduce transportation GHG emissions, directly advancing climate goals per its summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes clean fuel standard targeting on-road transportation emissions reduction, directly advancing sustainable transportation policies per summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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