Environment (Drinking Water)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4405: Establishes the public water justice act

Establishes the public water justice act; prohibits sale of waters of the state unless otherwise specifically authorized; establishes a public water justice fund for royalties and fees collected from persons or entities authorized to sell waters of the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits unauthorized water sales and funds conservation via royalties, conserving natural water resources as a key environmental protection measure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed · New York · Senate May 22, 2025

S 187: Prohibits the sale of certain products that contain regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; and provides penalties for violations

Prohibits the sale of certain products that contain regulated perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; requires manufacturers of products containing PFAS to provide notice of such fact to persons that offer the products for sale or distribution; provides penalties for violations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits PFAS-containing products, reducing environmental pollution from persistent chemicals linked to water contamination and ecosystem harm.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1635: Prohibits the sale or offer for sale of any cosmetic product or personal care product containing PFAS substances

This bill prohibits the sale or offer for sale of cosmetic and personal care products (like lotions, makeup, or shampoos) containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals. It directly affects manufacturers and retailers by banning the use of these substances in such products. The law defines PFAS as fluorinated chemicals with at least one fully fluorinated carbon atom. The prohibition will take effect on June 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS chemicals in cosmetics, reducing environmental pollution from persistent toxic substances that contaminate water and soil.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBans PFAS in cosmetics/personal care products to prevent health risks (cancer, immune issues), directly protecting public health under healthcare policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3677: Enacts the New York state drinking water bill of rights

This bill establishes a legal right to safe, clean, affordable, and accessible water for drinking, cooking, and basic cleaning in New York State. It requires state agencies like the Department of Health, Environmental Conservation, and Public Service to consider this right when creating or updating policies, regulations, and grant programs. The law mandates that these agencies factor water access into their decisions, ensuring the right is integrated into relevant state actions. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes legal right to clean water, requiring environmental agencies to integrate water access into policies, directly protecting water resources and pollution control.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6885: Relates to providing water utilities with access to water quality infrastructure improvement funding

This bill (S 6885) expands access to state funding for water quality infrastructure projects by clarifying eligibility for water utilities regulated by the Public Service Commission. It specifies that funding - capped at $5 million per entity annually - can only support infrastructure repair or compliance with water quality laws, and requires all water utility projects to serve a clear public purpose benefiting customers. The bill modifies existing laws to ensure funds are directed toward essential water system improvements while requiring tax relief from related exemptions to lower water rates. It directly affects water utilities seeking state financial assistance for critical infrastructure upgrades.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds ($5M cap) for water infrastructure compliance, ensuring public purpose and fiscal responsibility, aligning with funding essential services.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides funding for water quality infrastructure compliance with environmental laws, directly supporting pollution control and environmental protection.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8585: Phases out the sale of products that contain intentionally added PFAS

Bill A 8585 aims to phase out the sale of products containing intentionally added Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Beginning January 1, 2028, manufacturers must provide notification to the state department about such products. By January 1, 2029, the bill prohibits the sale of specific items like carpets, cookware, cosmetic products, fabric treatments, and personal care products if they contain intentionally added PFAS. A broader prohibition on the sale of all products containing intentionally added PFAS will take effect on January 1, 2034. This bill affects manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of products in the state, with exemptions for federally regulated products and uses determined to be currently unavoidable.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill phases out PFAS-containing products, reducing environmental pollution and protecting natural resources by banning harmful chemicals in consumer goods.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 5082: Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to establish the Lake DeForest Flood Control Pilot Program

This bill authorizes New York's Department of Environmental Conservation to create the Lake DeForest Flood Control Pilot Program. The program will regulate water releases from Lake DeForest reservoir (operated by a private waterworks corporation) to reduce downstream flooding while ensuring sufficient drinking water quality. The department must establish rules for when flood control measures can be used, such as during major storms, large water inflows, dam safety concerns, or seasonal weather patterns. The program is limited to a 10-year pilot period, running from 2026 through 2036. It directly affects the reservoir operator, downstream communities, and the state's flood management approach for this specific water body.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes environmental department to regulate water releases for flood control while ensuring drinking water quality - directly protecting water resources and environmental health per department mandate.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4574: Enacts the "PFAS discharge disclosure act"

Enacts the "PFAS discharge disclosure act"; requires certain SPDES permit holders to conduct PFAS monitoring and disclose the results from such monitoring.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates PFAS monitoring/disclosure for permit holders, increasing transparency on toxic pollutants to protect water resources and public health.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8252: Permits the town of Warwick to use preservation funds for water quality improvement

This bill allows the town of Warwick to use up to 10% of its community preservation fund for water quality improvement projects, such as cleaning rivers or protecting drinking water sources. It amends existing law to explicitly include these projects as a permitted use under the fund's purpose, requiring them to align with the town's community preservation plan. Unused funds allocated for water quality projects can roll over to future years, and the bill specifies that no more than 10% of the fund may be used for this purpose. The change directly affects Warwick's budget decisions for environmental projects funded through its community preservation program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds water quality projects (river cleaning, drinking water protection) via preservation funds, directly advancing environmental conservation and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water Water Quality

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 3207: Establishes maximum contaminant levels and a hazard index in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Establishes maximum contaminant levels in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); sets such levels at no higher than 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and no higher than 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill sets strict PFAS limits (4-10 ppt) in drinking water, directly strengthening environmental protection standards for water quality and public health by reducing toxic contamination.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSets strict PFAS limits in drinking water to prevent health risks, aligning with public health protection in healthcare policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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