Environment

passed · New York · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

A 9047: Prohibits the use of unencapsulated foam flotation in docks, buoys and floating structures

This bill prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of polystyrene foam docks, buoys, and floating structures in the state starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects businesses that manufacture, sell, or distribute these products, including manufacturers of foam docks and retailers. The law bans items made with expanded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, or rigid polystyrene, covering structures like boat docks, navigation markers, and recreational platforms. The prohibition applies to all sales and distribution within the state, with no exceptions specified. The bill defines key terms like "dock" and "floating structure" to clarify its scope.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans polystyrene foam, a persistent pollutant, to reduce marine plastic waste and protect aquatic ecosystems95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5325: Excludes certain actions from reporting requirements relating to environmental quality reviews

Excludes from reporting requirements relating to environmental quality reviews actions to approve the siting or construction of housing in cities with a population of one million or more.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExcludes housing approvals from environmental review reporting, reducing regulatory oversight and weakening environmental quality requirements for large cities.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExcludes environmental reporting for housing approvals in large cities, streamlining development and advancing housing construction.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1616: 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 trophy imports to protect endangered African wildlife, aligning with conservation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1638: Creates the toxics information clearinghouse

Creates the toxic information clearinghouse; provides substances hazardous to public health, safety or the environment that have been identified or listed as a hazardous waste in regulations promulgated pursuant to section 27-0903 or 37-0103 of the environmental conservation law; provides chemical hazard traits and environmental and toxicological end-point data.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates toxics info clearinghouse under environmental law, providing hazard data to protect public health/environment. Strengthens regulatory transparency for hazardous substances.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Hazardous Materials

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3797: Establishes a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf pending a comprehensive environmental and public health study

Establishes a moratorium on the installation of synthetic turf pending a comprehensive environmental and public health study; relates to environmental impact assessments of the use of synthetic turf; provides for the repeal of certain provisions upon expiration thereof.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMoratorium pending environmental study prevents potential harm, aligning with protection indicators through precautionary assessment of synthetic turf impacts.92% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4252: Establishes a moratorium on the building or placing of any permanent or semi-permanent wind turbine in the waters of Lake Ontario located within the state

Establishes a moratorium on the building or placing of any permanent or semi-permanent wind turbine in the waters of Lake Ontario located within the state and within the jurisdiction and control of the state.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyMoratorium blocks wind turbine development, a renewable energy source, directly restricting renewable energy infrastructure expansion in Lake Ontario waters.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentMoratorium on wind turbines restricts renewable energy development, a key environmental protection measure per bill's explicit restriction on clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Wind

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5075: Requires the owner of certain sites to establish and maintain an environmental maintenance trust fund

Requires the owner of sites where any action is or was taken which may have a significant impact on the environment to establish and maintain an environmental maintenance trust fund.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill requires trust fund for environmental maintenance at sites with significant environmental impact, ensuring financial responsibility for remediation and protection.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1306: Relates to a property tax exemption for a farm operation certified for the production of organic crops

This bill creates a 3-year property tax exemption for farmland actively transitioning to organic production under USDA certification. It directly affects farms certified by USDA-accredited authorities for organic crop, livestock, or livestock product production. The exemption covers up to 50% of the farm's agricultural land value annually (or more in disaster years), requires the land to remain in agricultural use, and mandates annual reporting to the commissioner. Land must achieve full organic certification by the end of the 3-year period to maintain eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides property tax exemption for organic farms, reducing tax burden on agricultural land per bill's tax relief mechanism.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes organic farming transition (reducing chemical inputs, promoting soil health) via tax exemption, aligning with environmental conservation goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 6393: Expands recycling of electronic products

S 6393 requires electronics manufacturers in New York to expand their e-waste recycling programs by establishing convenient collection methods. It mandates that manufacturers ensure 90% of residents have a collection site within 15 miles, with specific site requirements based on county population (e.g., three permanent sites in counties over 65,000 people). Manufacturers must also provide public education via websites, toll-free numbers, and product manuals - including data destruction instructions for devices with memory - and cover all costs for collection, transportation, and recycling. This directly affects electronics manufacturers, who must implement these programs at no cost to consumers or municipalities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates expanded e-waste recycling programs to reduce pollution from electronic waste disposal and ensure proper collection, directly advancing environmental protection through waste management.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates data destruction instructions in product manuals, directly advancing data privacy protections within e-waste recycling requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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died · New York · Senate Jan 29, 2026

S 6286: Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program within the farmland viability program

Establishes the agrivoltaics viability pilot program to provide grants to identify the best practices and strategies for agrivoltaics and dual-use solar energy projects that protect soil health during construction and decommissioning of solar arrays, utilize sustainable agricultural production practices, monitor any benefits solar energy may have on farms and to the state, track economic viability, study the commercialization of dual-use solar energy projects, and encourage equitable engagement of stakeholders.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill creates grants for dual-use solar projects (agrivoltaics), promoting renewable energy infrastructure and sustainable agricultural practices within energy policy.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes clean energy (solar) and sustainable agriculture via agrivoltaics grants, protecting soil health and monitoring environmental benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar

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