Environment (Parks & Recreation)

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 6392: Relates to composting facilities in state parks

Authorizes the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to permit composting facilities at state parks when such facility does not harm the natural environment or integrity of the park and provided that such facilities shall comply with codes, rules and regulations relating to composting facilities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes composting facilities only if they don't harm park environments, directly protecting natural integrity per summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Recycling

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 270: Provides an exemption from requirements for the alienation of parkland for certain renewable energy generating projects

Provides an exemption from requirements for the alienation of parkland for renewable energy generating projects with a generating capacity not exceeding two megawatts and which are located above real property currently used for vehicle parking.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts small renewable projects (<2MW) from parkland alienation rules, facilitating solar/wind development on parking areas. Directly advances renewable energy infrastructure deployment.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts small renewable energy projects (≤2MW) on existing parking areas, facilitating clean energy deployment without requiring parkland alienation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Parks & Recreation

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 17: Allows industrial development agencies to make grants to municipalities for open space preservation, parkland improvements and conservation easements

Allows industrial development agencies to make grants to municipalities for open space preservation, parkland improvements and conservation easements where the municipal governing body finds that the grant encourages tourism or otherwise improves quality of life.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes grants for conservation and tourism projects, funding public initiatives under municipal budgets through industrial development agencies.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides grants for conservation easements, open space preservation, and parkland improvements - directly advancing environmental conservation and natural resource protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4415: Enacts the parks are growing act

Enacts the "parks are growing act"; directs the commissioners of parks, recreation and historic preservation, agriculture and markets, and environmental conservation to conduct a land assessment of suitable areas of land for establishing floral and vegetable garden plots and introducing pollinator-friendly species, and to develop and implement a plan pursuant to such land assessment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects land assessment for pollinator-friendly species and garden plots, promoting biodiversity conservation and habitat protection per bill's purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3151: Prohibits the aerial and ground application of malathion and certain pyrethroid-based insecticides

Prohibits the aerial and ground application of malathion and certain pyrethroid-based insecticides within one hundred feet of any school, day care center, park, or on other property when children are commuting to and from school or are engaged in outdoor activity.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill prohibits pesticides near schools to protect children's health, directly supporting safe educational environments.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits pesticide use near schools/parks, reducing chemical pollution and protecting ecosystems per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Early Childhood Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1375: Requiring the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation establish design standards and manage applications for greenway trails

Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to establish design standards for greenway trails and to manage applications for greenway trails.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires design standards for greenway trails, promoting conservation of natural areas and sustainable recreational infrastructure.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEstablishes design standards for greenway trails, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure and active mobility options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Bicycle Infrastructure

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passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 8272: Includes Hague Brook in the list of inland waterways eligible for the local waterfront revitalization program

This bill adds Hague Brook to the list of waterways eligible for New York's local waterfront revitalization program. It directly affects communities along Hague Brook, allowing them to access state funding and support for projects like park improvements, erosion control, and public access. The key mechanism is an amendment to the executive law that expands the existing list of qualifying waterways, which already includes dozens of creeks and brooks across the state. The change makes Hague Brook formally eligible for the same revitalization resources available to other listed waterways.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds Hague Brook to waterfront program enabling erosion control and park projects, directly supporting waterway conservation and environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1585: Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to prohibit the sale of single use plastic and polystyrene foam in state parks

This bill requires New York's state parks to ban the sale of single-use plastic items and polystyrene foam containers (like takeout containers and cups) within park facilities. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation must implement this prohibition, directly affecting park visitors who purchase these items and vendors operating within state parks. The law adds a specific provision to the parks code, taking effect 180 days after enactment. It focuses on reducing plastic waste at state park locations without specifying enforcement details or environmental outcomes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans single-use plastics and polystyrene foam in state parks to reduce plastic waste and pollution, directly protecting the environment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Recycling

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passed · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1067: Establishes the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program and the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program fund

This bill establishes a program allowing individuals and nonprofit groups (like parks' friends organizations) to partner with New York State Parks to maintain and enhance designated trails. Participants sign agreements to preserve trails' natural, cultural, and historical features through activities such as litter removal, trail repairs, and installing benches or interpretive signs. The program includes specific rules for sponsor signage (circular, ≤5 inches, sponsor name ≤25% of sign) and creates a dedicated fund to support these stewardship efforts. It ensures no current park workers lose jobs or benefits due to the program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables community trail maintenance through litter removal and preservation of natural features, directly advancing environmental conservation and protection efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1696: Preserves ecological integrity, wildlife and open space in the Adirondack park

Preserves ecological integrity, wildlife and open space in the Adirondack park; strengthens land use and development provisions in the Adirondack park so as to curtail rural sprawl.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly preserves ecological integrity, wildlife, and open space while strengthening land use regulations to curb sprawl, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Wildlife

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