This bill redirects fines and penalties from environmental conservation violations (such as violations of fishing rules or pollution regulations) into a dedicated "conservation enforcement account" within the state conservation fund, rather than the general state fund. It specifies that all fines collected under Titles 19, 21, and 27 of the environmental conservation law, plus related surcharges, must be deposited into this account. The funds are exclusively for enforcing environmental laws, including paying for enforcement staff, scientists, and legal support. This ensures these penalties directly support conservation enforcement efforts without replacing existing funding.
This bill expands New York's rechargeable battery recycling program to include batteries used in electric assist bicycles. It amends the environmental conservation law to explicitly define such batteries as "rechargeable" under the program, which previously excluded them by classifying them as vehicle batteries. The change ensures these batteries - common in e-bikes - must now be recycled through designated channels instead of being treated as general waste. This directly affects e-bike battery manufacturers, retailers, and recyclers by requiring proper disposal under the state's existing program.
Declares the waters of the state to be public trust resources; declares that the waters of the state are valuable public natural resources and the state has a duty to conserve and manage its waters effectively.
This bill creates a state task force to study the feasibility of growing crops for cellulosic ethanol production, a renewable fuel that substantially reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional ethanol. The task force, to be formed by the Agriculture Commissioner with members from environmental and conservation agencies, must identify optimal crops and locations within the state and submit findings and recommendations within one year. The bill expires two years after enactment, making it a temporary study initiative focused on advancing renewable energy research without implementing new regulations.
This bill prohibits leasing state-owned forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas, and unique natural areas for gas or oil exploration, development, or production. It amends New York's environmental conservation law to explicitly exclude these specific public lands from being leased for fossil fuel activities. The policy change directly affects state land management decisions, preventing future leases for oil and gas operations on these protected areas. The law applies to lands including state forests, wildlife areas, and designated unique natural sites, with no exceptions for gas or oil projects. This represents a concrete policy shift in how certain state lands may be used for energy development.
Enacts the "pollinator promotion act" to authorize the commissioner of environmental conservation to promote the health and viability of pollinators in the state and to make municipal adoption and implementation of pollinator promotion plans eligible for climate adaptation and mitigation projects under the climate smart communities program; requires consideration of certain pollinator health initiatives on SUNY campuses; directs the departments of education and environmental conservation to develop guidelines for school districts to implement certain pollinator friendly practices; directs the implementation of certain pollinator friendly practices on highway verges.
Establishes the small business energy conservation ombudsman program to represent small businesses on issues relating to state energy policy and the goals of the climate leadership and community protection act.
Requires the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study on sea level rise in cities with a population of one million or more and to submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including any proposed rules and regulations, to the temporary president of the senate, the speaker of the assembly, the chairs of senate and assembly environmental conservation committees, the chair of the senate finance committee and the chair of the assembly ways and means committee no later than December 31, 2028.
S 543 creates a tax credit for New York landowners who commit to forestry stewardship or habitat conservation on eligible land. Landowners with at least 25 contiguous acres certified as valuable wildlife habitat or suitable for recreation (e.g., fishing, hunting) can claim a credit equal to 25% of real property taxes paid on that land, up to $10,000 annually. To qualify, land must be part of a 5-year agreement with the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation, recorded publicly, and maintained under approved conservation plans. This credit directly affects private landowners managing conservation-eligible properties, reducing their personal income and business franchise tax burden.
This bill proposes adding a constitutional right to hunt, trap, and fish to the state constitution. It states that these activities are part of the state's heritage and must be preserved, requiring state laws to manage wildlife while allowing traditional hunting, fishing, and trapping methods. The bill directly affects hunters, anglers, trappers, and state wildlife agencies, as it mandates that all management must balance preserving this heritage with conservation. Key provisions require state regulations to consistently protect both public access to these activities and wildlife populations, subject to reasonable state rules. The amendment must be referred to the next legislative session after the upcoming election for further consideration.
