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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in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 8463: Provides a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and two-year green energy tax holiday

S 8463 provides a one-year exemption from utility taxes and specific surcharges for all residential and commercial utility customers, effective 14 days after enactment. It also creates a two-year exemption from tariffs for renewable energy systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, and charging stations. During these periods, utility companies must reduce customer prices by the exact amount of the exempted taxes and surcharges. The state will reimburse lost revenue to utility funds within 45 days after the one-year period ends. This bill directly affects all utility ratepayers and impacts how utilities price services for renewable energy investments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides temporary tax exemptions for utilities and green energy, reducing consumer costs while reimbursing state funds - direct tax relief for households and businesses.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides tax exemptions for renewable energy systems and EV infrastructure, reducing consumer costs while promoting clean energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProvides tax holidays for renewable energy systems and EV infrastructure, incentivizing clean energy adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill exempts EV infrastructure and charging stations from taxes, directly promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure development.90% 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 No ✗ Opposes 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 No ✗ 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 Yes ✗ Opposes 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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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 No ✗ Opposes 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 No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed both · New York · Assembly May 4, 2026

A 1388: Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to define "coal tar" for pavement products. It specifies that coal tar is a thick liquid from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The definition explicitly includes certain residues like ethylene or steam cracked residues. This change directly affects manufacturers and suppliers of pavement materials using coal tar, as it sets a clear regulatory threshold for PAH levels. The bill was advanced to third reading in April 2025 but was later substituted by S3179.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill defines coal tar with PAH threshold (1,000mg/kg) to restrict high-pollution pavement products, strengthening environmental regulations on pollution control.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 3179: Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

This bill clarifies the legal definition of "coal tar" used in pavement products under environmental law. It specifies that coal tar includes any thick, black substance derived from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The change directly affects pavement manufacturers and environmental regulators by establishing a clear standard for measuring PAH levels in products, ensuring consistency with existing environmental rules. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines how coal tar is identified for regulatory enforcement.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies PAH definition in pavement products to ensure consistency with environmental regulations, reinforcing pollution control standards for coal tar derivatives containing PAHs.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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