Environment (Conservation)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1182: Prohibits the use of leg-gripping traps

S 1182 prohibits the use of leg-gripping traps (those with teeth in the jaws) for capturing wildlife in New York State, directly affecting trappers and wildlife management practices. The bill amends environmental conservation law to ban these traps except during specific beaver and otter trapping seasons in water, with strict size limits (jaws exceeding 5¾ inches on land, 7¼ inches in water). It also requires covered traps on land (using natural materials like soil or leaves) and mandates pan tensioning devices to reduce animal suffering. This law takes effect 30 days after enactment, replacing existing trap regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans leg-gripping traps harming wildlife, strengthening conservation regulations under environmental law to protect natural resources and wildlife management practices.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8503: Relates to permits granted in coastal erosion hazard areas

Relates to permits granted in coastal erosion hazard areas; provides that as a condition of any permit issued in a coastal erosion hazard area, the department of environmental conservation shall require green infrastructure to help reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate coastal erosion.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires green infrastructure in coastal permits to reduce stormwater runoff and mitigate erosion, directly advancing environmental protection and coastal conservation measures.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 10, 2026

S 672: Relates to environmental restoration projects; repealer

Bill S 672 updates the environmental conservation law regarding environmental restoration projects, primarily affecting municipalities and entities involved in remediating contaminated sites. It allows for project funding starting in fiscal year 2025-2026 and expands the definition of "contaminant" to include emerging contaminants and PFAS substances. The bill modifies how responsible party settlement payments are applied to project costs and adds new criteria for prioritizing projects, such as those in disadvantaged communities or addressing drinking water contamination. Additionally, it broadens state indemnification for municipalities, successors, lessees, and lenders involved in these remediation efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes funding for environmental restoration projects starting fiscal year 2025-2026, directly allocating state budget resources to a public service program.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands contaminant definition to include PFAS, funds restoration projects, strengthens remediation efforts under environmental conservation law90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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died · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 1733: Creates a program to assist municipalities with water quality improvement of water bodies within the municipality managed by lake associations

Bill S 1733 creates a new program to help municipalities improve water quality in water bodies managed by lake associations within their jurisdiction. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will establish this program to identify water quality concerns, determine effective remediation strategies, and assist with best practices for maintaining water quality. Additionally, the DEC will create a grant program to provide financial assistance to municipalities for remedial actions. The department is authorized to develop rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates DEC grant program for municipal water quality remediation, directly funding state budget allocation for environmental programs.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates DEC program with grants to improve municipal water quality through remediation strategies, directly advancing environmental protection of water bodies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7819: Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study on retrofitting certain schools

This bill directs New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (with input from Education) to study retrofitting air filtration, ventilation, and building sealing at public and charter schools located within 500 feet of major highways. The study will assess current systems, identify gaps, recommend upgrades to filter traffic pollution, evaluate building integrity, and estimate costs for each school. It requires a detailed report with findings, recommendations, and statewide cost estimates to state leaders within one year. The goal is to address indoor air quality concerns near highways, supporting the state's obligation to protect children's health and education environment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates study to retrofit school air systems near highways, improving infrastructure and student health - directly advancing educational environment standards.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs study to retrofit schools near highways with air filtration to filter traffic pollution, directly advancing pollution control and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1364: Authorizes the attorney general to enforce the provisions of the environmental conservation law and its rules and regulations in the name of the people of the state

Authorizes the attorney general to commence a special proceeding in a court hearing jurisdiction to enforce the provisions of the environmental conservation law and the rules and regulations adopted pursuant thereto in the name of the people of the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes attorney general to enforce environmental conservation laws, strengthening regulatory compliance and protection of environmental standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4038: Relates to the operating permit program from sources subject to the federal Clean Air Act and power plant emissions and performance standards

This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to clarify rules for power plants operating under the federal Clean Air Act. It prohibits electric generating facilities from using secondary fuel sources or emergency engines except during true emergencies (as narrowly defined) or per federal rules (40 CFR 60.4211). The bill also requires department approval for alternative operating scenarios in permits and explicitly excludes preventable issues like poor maintenance from qualifying as emergencies. These changes directly affect power plants subject to federal air quality regulations, ensuring stricter controls on emissions during non-routine operations.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill tightens emissions rules for power plants by restricting emergency exemptions, ensuring Clean Air Act compliance, and preventing avoidable operational issues, advancing cleaner energy production standards.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits secondary fuel use except emergencies, requires department approval for alternatives, excludes preventable issues to strengthen emissions compliance under Clean Air Act.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6530: Prohibits the department of environmental conservation from issuing or authorizing any permits to new or expanding large concentrated animal feeding operations

Prohibits the department of environmental conservation from issuing or authorizing any permits to new or expanding large concentrated animal feeding operations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits permits for CAFOs (major polluters of water/air), directly strengthening environmental protections by restricting pollution sources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Feb 18, 2025

S 5007: Enacts the dark skies protection act

S 5007, the "Dark Skies Protection Act," requires all outdoor lighting fixtures (including those on homes, businesses, and public spaces) to be shielded by January 1, 2028, to reduce light pollution. The law aims to protect the night sky for wildlife, safety, and energy conservation while exempting essential uses like airport lighting, emergency services, and certain safety-focused fixtures. Municipalities may adopt stricter rules than the state law, and property owners face civil penalties for noncompliance (up to $1,000 for commercial properties after repeated violations). The bill directly affects all property owners and businesses using outdoor lighting across the state.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly cites energy conservation as a goal, promoting efficient lighting to reduce energy waste while reducing light pollution.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReduces light pollution for wildlife protection and energy conservation, directly addressing pollution control and resource conservation per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6728: Enacts the "Great Swamp Protection Act"

S 6728, the "Great Swamp Protection Act," establishes a legal framework to protect the 6,000-acre Great Swamp wetland ecosystem in Dutchess and Putnam counties. It creates a 13-member commission (with state, county, and local representatives) to develop a land use and management plan for the area, coordinating state, county, and federal efforts. The bill designates specific lands as a "Great Swamp preserve" to safeguard wetlands, critical watersheds, and habitats for endangered species, while ensuring existing agricultural, recreational, and tourism activities continue under the plan. It directly affects landowners, local governments, and conservation agencies managing the region’s natural resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill designates lands as preserve to safeguard wetlands, watersheds, and endangered species habitats, directly protecting environment per summary95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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