Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3685: Provides for the protection of the air quality at day care centers licensed by the state and head start day care centers funded pursuant to federal law

Provides for the protection of the air quality at licensed day care centers and head start day care centers funded pursuant to federal law; requires the office of children and family services to consult with the commissioners of environmental conservation and health regarding the air quality and environmental hazards that may be involved with any new day care center or head start day care center; requires such office to consult with the department of health if any new environmental or environmental health hazard arises.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires consultation with environmental conservation commissioners to address air quality and environmental hazards at day care centers, protecting children from environmental risks.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1908: Relates to the availability and purchase of zero-emission school buses

This bill requires New York school districts to purchase or lease only zero-emission school buses (electric or hydrogen-powered, with no tailpipe emissions) when buying new buses starting July 1, 2027. It also mandates that any procurement for school transportation services or infrastructure components must prioritize U.S.-made parts and assembly, with limited waivers available for cost or feasibility concerns. School districts facing financial hardship may receive up to two years to comply after a cost-benefit analysis by the education commissioner. The law applies directly to all public school districts and their contractors, aiming for full transition to zero-emission buses by 2047 or when all state vehicle fleets meet the standard.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates zero-emission school buses, improving school transportation infrastructure per education topic's 'improves school infrastructure' indicator.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates zero-emission school buses (electric/hydrogen), reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing renewable energy infrastructure in transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates zero-emission school buses (electric/hydrogen) to eliminate tailpipe emissions, directly reducing pollution and advancing clean energy adoption in transportation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationMandates zero-emission school buses (electric/hydrogen) for new purchases, directly promoting sustainable transportation and reducing emissions in vehicle regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics School Transportation Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1889: Establishes the residential open green space tax abatement for certain properties in N.Y. city

Establishes the residential open green space tax abatement for certain properties in a city of one million or more; provides an abatement for owners who remove an impermeable surface from a residential yard and replace it with soil and vegetation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax abatement reducing property tax burden for green space improvements, directly aligning with tax relief support indicators.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncentivizes replacing impermeable surfaces with vegetation, promoting green space and stormwater management per bill's tax abatement for environmental conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4939: Relates to the submission of environmental impact statements by entities proposing construction of a new building development within one mile of a transit facility

Requires the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations requiring entities proposing construction of a new building development within one mile of a transit facility to submit environmental impact statements; defines transit facility.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires environmental impact statements for developments near transit facilities, strengthening environmental review processes per standard protective measures.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 21, 2026

A 8088: Enacts the climate resilient New York act of 2025; establishes the office of resilience to assess and identify climate related threats

Enacts the climate resilient New York act; establishes the office of resilience and a resilience task force to assess and identify climate related threats and develop a statewide resilience plan.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates Office of Resilience to assess climate threats and develop statewide resilience plan, directly advancing climate protection efforts per bill title and summary.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1596: Prohibits disposal of spoils containing toxic pollutants into the waters of the marine district

This bill prohibits dumping dredged spoils containing toxic pollutants into the marine district's waters. It directly affects dredging operations, construction projects, and waste disposal entities working in coastal areas. The key provision amends environmental law to explicitly ban this specific disposal method, creating a clear legal restriction. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans toxic pollutant disposal in marine waters, directly reducing pollution and strengthening environmental protections per bill's explicit prohibition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 6, 2025

A 7964: Establishes a New York native plants designation

Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes native plant conservation through certification, supporting local biodiversity and sustainable land use practices without direct regulatory language.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8673: Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act and establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program

Enacts the tropical rainforest economic & environmental sustainability act requiring that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains; establishes the supply chain transparency assistance program to assist small and medium-sized businesses and minority and women-owned businesses in achieving compliant supply chains.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates state-contracting companies avoid tropical forest degradation/deforestation in supply chains, directly protecting natural resources and promoting environmental sustainability through transparency requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6348: Establishes the University of the State of New York environmental sustainability office

Establishes the university of the state of New York environmental sustainability office to lead the coordination, planning and implementation of policies, programs, and processes to fulfill the university's sustainability obligations and targets cohesively, across all university campuses, and at the system level.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes dedicated office to coordinate university sustainability policies and fulfill environmental obligations, advancing environmental protection efforts through systemic implementation.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8252: Permits the town of Warwick to use preservation funds for water quality improvement

This bill allows the town of Warwick to use up to 10% of its community preservation fund for water quality improvement projects, such as cleaning rivers or protecting drinking water sources. It amends existing law to explicitly include these projects as a permitted use under the fund's purpose, requiring them to align with the town's community preservation plan. Unused funds allocated for water quality projects can roll over to future years, and the bill specifies that no more than 10% of the fund may be used for this purpose. The change directly affects Warwick's budget decisions for environmental projects funded through its community preservation program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water quality projects (river cleaning, drinking water protection) via preservation funds, directly advancing environmental conservation and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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