Environment (Conservation)

passed · New York · Assembly Mar 11, 2026

K 1041: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim April 2026, as Native Plant Month in the State of New York

This bill directs Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim April 2026 as Native Plant Month in New York State. The resolution recognizes the environmental benefits of native plants, which support local wildlife and ecosystems. It encourages residents to participate in activities like planting native species and removing invasive plants during the designated month. The bill is a ceremonial measure that does not create new laws or regulations but serves to raise public awareness about native plant conservation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes native plant conservation and ecosystem protection through public awareness, supporting environmental preservation efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 5, 2026

S 9506: Adds Lake Oscawana and Roaring Brook Lake in Putnam county to the definition of inland waterways

This bill adds Lake Oscawana and Roaring Brook Lake in Putnam County to the official list of major inland lakes in New York State. The change updates the legal definition of inland waterways by including these two specific lakes in the state's existing list of protected water bodies. This amendment affects state environmental regulations and conservation efforts related to these lakes, ensuring they receive the same protections as other major inland lakes already covered by the law. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage and does not create new restrictions but rather expands the scope of existing waterway protections.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands legal definition of protected inland waterways to include two lakes, strengthening environmental protections and conservation efforts for these water bodies.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · New York · Assembly Mar 26, 2026

K 1101: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim 8:30pm-9:30pm on Saturday, March 28, 2026, as Earth Hour in the State of New York

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially recognize Earth Hour on March 28, 2026, from 8:30pm to 9:30pm in New York State. The resolution encourages residents and businesses to turn off non-essential lights during that hour to raise awareness about climate change and environmental conservation. It does not create new laws or require any specific actions, but rather serves as a symbolic gesture to join global efforts for environmental protection. The measure is a commemorative resolution that directs the governor to acknowledge the event rather than impose any new regulations or obligations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes Earth Hour awareness to encourage environmental conservation and climate action through symbolic participation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 13, 2026

A 10593: Provides for a state workforce fuel reduction and conservation program which will develop and assist in implementing strategies to reduce fuel consumption

Provides for a state workforce fuel reduction and conservation program which will develop and assist in implementing strategies to reduce fuel consumption by the state's motor vehicle fleet and to reduce solo trips between work and home by state employees; requires reporting to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill promotes fuel reduction and conservation for state vehicles, increasing energy efficiency and reducing fossil fuel consumption.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes fuel reduction and conservation program to decrease state fleet emissions and solo trips, directly supporting environmental protection goals.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill promotes fuel reduction and conservation for state vehicles, aligning with sustainable transportation goals and reducing environmental impact.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 9479: Relates to the definition of tidal wetlands

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to include the marine and coastal district within the official definition of tidal wetlands. The change expands the legal scope to cover areas bordering or beneath tidal waters, such as banks, bogs, salt marshes, swamps, and meadows within that specific district. By updating the definition, the bill ensures these coastal areas are recognized under existing environmental protections. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill expands legal definition of tidal wetlands to include marine and coastal areas, strengthening environmental protections for coastal ecosystems under existing regulations.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 30, 2026

S 9628: Authorizes the use of funds from Peconic Bay region community preservation funds for the acquisition of waterfront conservation easements for maritime industries and heritage

Authorizes the use of funds from Peconic Bay region community preservation funds for the acquisition of waterfront conservation easements to maintain and enhance maritime industries and heritage, including for working waterfront, aquaculture, commercial fisheries, recreational fishing and boating businesses.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes use of existing preservation funds for conservation easements, supporting fiscal management and community preservation without increasing taxes or cutting essential services.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds waterfront conservation easements to protect natural resources and preserve maritime heritage, directly supporting environmental conservation efforts.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · New York · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

K 1074: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 22, 2026, as Water Day in the State of New York

This bill asks Governor Kathy Hochul to officially declare March 22, 2026, as Water Day in New York State to align with the global observance of World Water Day. The resolution highlights the importance of water for daily activities like drinking, agriculture, and sanitation, while emphasizing the need to protect groundwater and address water scarcity. It does not create new laws or programs but serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about water conservation and access issues. The bill affects only the state's official calendar and does not change any existing policies or require funding.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes water conservation awareness and aligns with global environmental observances, though lacks regulatory measures75% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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signed · New York · Assembly Aug 14, 2026

A 10692: Establishes the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage Atlantic bonito and false albacore

This bill grants the Department of Environmental Conservation the authority to create and enforce management rules for Atlantic bonito and false albacore fisheries. The department can set regulations such as size limits, catch limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, but must align these rules with existing state laws and federal fishery management plans. The authority applies to fishing activities and remains in effect until December 31, 2029. This change allows the department to better control these specific fish species through targeted conservation measures.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill grants authority to manage fisheries and set conservation rules like size limits and catch limits, which protects natural resources and supports environmental conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Assembly Apr 1, 2026

A 10483: Relates to agreements and easements related to renewable energy interconnection across reforestation areas

This bill allows the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to enter into agreements or easements on state-owned reforestation lands to help connect renewable energy projects located outside those areas to the power grid. The legislation ensures that any such agreements will not disrupt the primary purposes of the reforestation areas, such as conservation and timber management. All agreements made under this authority must be recorded and made publicly available on the Department's official website. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill enables renewable energy project connections to power grid on state lands, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure development.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables renewable energy development on reforestation lands while ensuring conservation purposes are maintained, promoting clean energy infrastructure without compromising environmental goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Grid Renewable Energy Transmission Conservation Forestry

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 9463: Establishes the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage Atlantic bonito and false albacore

This bill grants the Department of Environmental Conservation the authority to create and enforce management rules for Atlantic bonito and false albacore fisheries. It allows the department to set regulations on fishing seasons, size limits, catch restrictions, gear requirements, and other fishing practices until December 31, 2029. These rules must align with existing state laws and comply with federal and regional fishery management plans. The legislation affects commercial and recreational fishermen targeting these species and gives the department flexibility to adjust management measures as needed.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill grants authority to manage fisheries, establish conservation rules, and protect Atlantic bonito and false albacore populations, aligning with environmental protection and natural resource conservation.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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