Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Mar 31, 2026

S 8168: Relates to the reuse of building construction, deconstruction, and demolition, materials

Relates to the reuse of building construction, deconstruction, and demolition materials, including requiring local deconstruction ordinances and reporting requirements for local political subdivisions awarded grants for construction, deconstruction and demolition projects; establishes a construction, deconstruction, and demolition waste prevention and reduction grant and technical support program; establishes deconstruction contractor certification requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes material reuse and waste reduction in construction/deconstruction, conserving resources and reducing landfill impact through grant programs and certification requirements.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4032: Exempts certain dry cleaning equipment or machinery certified by the department of environmental conservation from sales and use taxes

Bill S 4032 exempts dry cleaning businesses from paying sales and use taxes on equipment certified by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for pollution prevention or control. Specifically, it applies to machinery that prevents pollution from dry cleaning operations and does not use EPA-classified hazardous air pollutants, qualifying for DEC air facility registration exemption. The exemption covers equipment used in dry cleaning plants for controlling contaminants, including replacements or upgrades to existing pollution-control systems. This change takes effect at the start of the next sales tax quarter following the bill’s enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill exempts certified dry cleaning equipment from sales/use taxes, providing targeted tax relief for businesses meeting environmental standards.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts tax on DEC-certified pollution-control dry cleaning equipment, incentivizing reduced hazardous emissions and aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

A 7166: Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats

Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats; establishes a fund for the stewardship of mercury thermostats; extends the effectiveness of the mercury thermostat collection act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes fund for mercury thermostat disposal, preventing environmental pollution from toxic mercury, directly supporting pollution control.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 424: Relates to prohibiting the use of gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers during certain months

This bill prohibits all individuals and businesses from operating gas-powered leaf and lawn blowers between May 1st and September 30th each year. It directly affects residents, landscapers, and property maintenance workers who currently use these devices during the warmer months. Violators face a civil fine of up to $100 per offense. The law takes effect on May 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBans gas-powered blowers, reducing fossil fuel consumption in landscaping, aligning with reducing fossil fuel dependence per energy policy indicators.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits gas-powered blowers during high-use months, directly reducing emissions and pollution per environmental protection goals.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8486: Enacts the drinking water protection act

Enacts the drinking water protection act, relating to the adoption and enforcement of watershed rules and regulations for the purpose of protecting water quality.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enacts watershed rules to protect water quality, directly advancing environmental protection standards for natural resources and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2038: Relating to local laws restricting farming operations within an agricultural district

Provides that the use or storage of manure may not be deemed a public nuisance under local laws restricting farming operations within an agricultural district.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prevents local laws from restricting manure storage/use as a nuisance, potentially weakening pollution control measures in agricultural zones.85% confidence

Tags Agriculture

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7606: Relates to including the Asian longhorned tick and lone star tick on the invasive species list

Relates to including the Asian longhorned tick and lone star tick on the invasive species list, and include them in the comprehensive plan for invasive species management.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill adds invasive ticks to management list, protecting ecosystems from species harm per environmental conservation standards.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 20, 2026

A 8901: Relates to providing additional duties of the community gardens task force

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDesignates community gardens on public land as 'critical environmental areas,' advancing protection of green spaces through formal recognition and assessment.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4349: Requires certain information to be filed with the department of public service

This bill requires gas pipeline companies planning new construction to submit digital maps showing exact locations of proposed gathering lines (pipelines moving gas from wells to main lines) and pipeline facilities (including related equipment and rights-of-way) to the Department of Public Service. The Department must then create and maintain a public computer mapping system that overlays these locations with areas protected under environmental laws. It specifically excludes existing transmission systems operated by local utilities or federally authorized pipelines from these requirements. The law aims to improve transparency and environmental oversight for new gas infrastructure projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires pipeline mapping overlaid with environmental protection areas, ensuring new projects comply with existing environmental laws and avoid protected zones.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates pipeline mapping with environmental overlays, enhancing transparency and safety for transportation infrastructure planning.85% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6889: Relates to the brownfields cleanup program to include state-owned properties

Directs the department of environmental conservation to promulgate regulations to implement a state-owned property remediation program for brownfield properties owned by the state, or any department or agency thereof; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands brownfields cleanup to state properties, requiring remediation of contaminated sites to protect environment and prevent pollution.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Hazardous Materials

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