Environment (Conservation)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1344: Establishes the environmental sustainability education act

Requires the department of education to establish an education for environmental sustainability program to teach children the importance of conserving and protecting our environment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates environmental sustainability curriculum in schools, enhancing student educational programs and curriculum content.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates environmental sustainability education program teaching conservation and protection, directly advancing environmental awareness and education goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 520: Establishes a forestry stewardship and habitat conservation credit for personal income and business franchise taxes

Bill A 520 creates a tax credit allowing New York landowners to deduct 25% of real property taxes paid on land enrolled in forestry stewardship or habitat conservation programs. To qualify, land must be at least 25 contiguous acres, inspected by DEC-certified biologists, and committed to a 5-year conservation agreement with the Department of Environmental Conservation. The credit is capped at $10,000 annually per taxpayer and applies to personal income and business franchise taxes. Landowners must follow approved conservation plans and record agreements with local authorities to maintain eligibility.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit reducing liability for conservation landowners, providing tax relief under fiscal policy.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates tax credit for conservation programs, incentivizing habitat protection and forestry stewardship, directly advancing environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Conservation Forestry

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 2086: Increases the statewide energy storage capacity

This bill amends New York's climate law to increase the statewide target for energy storage capacity from three to six gigawatts by 2030. It directly affects utilities and energy providers (load-serving entities) by requiring them to support this higher storage target alongside existing renewable energy goals. The bill updates specific sections of the public service law and environmental conservation law to reflect the new six-gigawatt storage requirement, aligning with the state's broader climate commitments. This change is part of New York's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) framework, which sets renewable energy and emissions reduction targets. The policy change is a concrete adjustment to existing targets, not a new program.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIncreases energy storage target from 3 to 6 GW by 2030, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure and climate goals per amended climate law.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncreases renewable energy storage target to 6GW by 2030, advancing climate goals and clean energy integration per amended climate law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Storage Renewable Energy Climate Change Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 5447: Directs the department of environmental conservation to establish a composting symbol

This bill requires New York's Department of Environmental Conservation to create a standardized symbol identifying products acceptable for composting at all facilities it oversees. It mandates the department to develop the symbol, define specific product categories that must display it (such as single-use food containers, utensils, and compostable plastics - distinct from biodegradable items), and establish rules with enforcement penalties. The symbol aims to clarify which items can be safely composted, directly affecting manufacturers of these products and composting facilities. Implementation rules will govern how the symbol is used and enforced.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill standardizes compostable product identification to reduce landfill waste, promote proper composting, and clarify pollution control for single-use items, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6847: Requires that any rules or regulations promulgated by the department of environmental conservation pursuant to the climate action fund are subject to a vote of the legislature for approval

Requires that any rules or regulations promulgated by the department of environmental conservation pursuant to the climate action fund are subject to a vote of the legislature and must be approved by a majority vote prior to implementation.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill requires legislative approval for climate action fund regulations, potentially delaying or blocking implementation of energy policies related to climate action.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRequires legislative approval for environmental regulations, adding hurdles to implementation and weakening regulatory effectiveness of climate action fund rules.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4030: Relates to emissions of toxic air contaminants

Bill S 4030 directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish ambient air quality standards for specific toxic air contaminants, such as benzene and mercury, by December 31, 2027. These standards must be based on scientific data regarding potential adverse human health effects. The bill requires that starting in 2028, these toxic air contaminants be incorporated into permits for "major sources" - large stationary air contamination sources. Additionally, the department must establish regulations by December 31, 2027, for fenceline monitoring by major sources, especially considering their proximity to disadvantaged communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates stricter air quality standards for toxic contaminants, requiring permits to incorporate health-based limits by 2028, strengthening pollution control.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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failed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 3652: Prohibits certain restrictions on motor vehicle sales

This bill prohibits state agencies, departments, or municipalities from restricting the sale or use of motor vehicles based on their energy source (e.g., gasoline, electric, hybrid). It directly affects vehicle buyers, dealers, and local governments by blocking regulations that target specific fuel types. The key provision amends environmental conservation law to explicitly override any existing rules limiting vehicles by fuel type, applying immediately. This changes how vehicle regulations can be structured but does not create new requirements for vehicle standards.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill prevents restrictions on electric/hybrid vehicles, removing barriers to alternative energy sources in transportation. Explicitly enables all vehicle energy types without discrimination, advancing renewable energy adoption in mobility.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill overrides environmental conservation law to block restrictions on polluting vehicle types (gasoline), weakening emissions regulations by preventing state-level bans on fossil fuel vehicles.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRemoves restrictions on electric/hybrid vehicle sales, enabling broader adoption of sustainable transport options by overriding fuel-type regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Conservation Electric Vehicles

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