Provides for reporting by utilities and owners of buildings meeting certain thresholds regarding energy consumption data; requires NYSERDA to create a list of buildings subject to such requirements; provides exemptions; requires public reporting on the information collected; makes related provisions.
Requires renewable energy data resources provided by NYSERDA to include mapping of certain capital projects with a value of greater than one million dollars for purposes of providing public information on the viability of siting of solar energy arrays, major renewable energy facilities, or major electric transmission facilities.
This bill, known as the Dark Skies Protection Act, establishes state regulations to reduce outdoor light pollution by requiring most outdoor lighting fixtures to be shielded so light is directed downward rather than upward. The law applies to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal buildings and structures, with specific restrictions on recreational facilities that prohibit illumination between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. except for certain events. Several exemptions exist for essential lighting such as airport navigation, worker safety, emergency services, and low-wattage decorative lighting. Municipalities that already have stricter local ordinances on light pollution are exempt from these state requirements, and the state department will provide educational materials to help property owners comply.
Enacts the state and local government food waste prevention and diversion act; requires facilities generating excess food waste to take measures to minimize such waste.
Prohibits the issuing of major renewable energy and major electric transmission facility siting permits in designated grassland bird conservation centers including, but not limited to, three such centers in Jefferson county, one center in Saint Lawrence county, the Oak-Orchard-Iroquois center, the Washington County Grasslands center, the Finger Lakes National Forest center and the Shawangunk Grasslands.
This bill extends the expiration date for a program that allows the repair of damaged pesticide containers from 2026 to 2028. The legislation directly affects pesticide users and environmental conservation agencies by maintaining the existing repair provisions under the Environmental Conservation Law. The key mechanism is an amendment to the law's effective date, ensuring the repair program remains in place for an additional two years before automatic repeal. This change provides continuity for pesticide container management without altering the underlying requirements or procedures.
New York State bill S 9094 bans the use, sale, distribution, and purchase of all pesticides containing paraquat dichloride or its chemical forms (identified by CAS numbers 4685-14-7, 1910-42-5, and 2074-50-2). The law directly affects farmers, agricultural businesses, and anyone using paraquat-based herbicides in New York. It takes effect January 1, 2027, prohibiting all paraquat products after this date. The bill cites scientific evidence linking paraquat exposure to increased risks of Parkinson's disease and certain cancers, following the EPA's ongoing review of the chemical.
This bill extends New York's urban deer management pilot program for an additional three years, keeping it active until six years after its original enactment date. It directly affects the program's operation in participating urban areas where deer overpopulation is managed through controlled hunting or other methods. The key mechanism is amending the program's expiration date in law from three to six years after implementation. The change maintains current management practices without altering program rules or funding.
This resolution requests Governor Hochul to officially designate April 2026 as "Native Plant Month" in New York State, aligning with National Native Plant Month. It highlights the ecological importance of native plants - supporting pollinators, stabilizing soil, and adapting to local conditions - without creating new laws or regulations. The resolution encourages public actions like planting native species and removing invasive plants to protect New York's biodiversity. As a non-binding memorial, it directly affects state recognition efforts and public awareness, not legal obligations.
Prohibits certain marketing strategies intended to solicit a subscription to a commercial service by attaching wasteful additional materials to a formal letter.
