Environment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8215: Relates to labeling requirements for native plant seeds

Requires certain information to be included on labeling of native plant seeds for sale or distribution in New York state; requires the commissioner of agriculture and markets to promulgate certain requirements for labeling of native plant seeds; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates labeling for native plant seeds to ensure proper identification, supporting conservation efforts and preventing invasive species spread per environmental protection goals.85% confidence

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failed · New York · Assembly Apr 28, 2026

A 6796: Prohibits the elimination of building systems or equipment used for the combustion of fossil fuels in new building construction

Prohibits the elimination of building systems or equipment used for the combustion of fossil fuels, including, natural gas, propane and fuel oil in new building construction.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyProhibits eliminating fossil fuel combustion systems in new buildings, maintaining reliance on non-renewable energy sources over renewables.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill explicitly maintains fossil fuel combustion systems in new buildings, preventing transition to cleaner energy and increasing emissions, directly opposing environmental protection goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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signed · New York · Senate Feb 14, 2025

S 794: Establishes a native plant and seed supply, development and enhancement program

Establishes a native plant and seed supply, development and enhancement program; requires the commissioners of the departments of agriculture and markets, environmental conservation and economic development to develop a list of plants and seeds eligible for consideration in such program; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates program to develop native plant/seed supply, directly advancing conservation of natural resources and habitat protection through species enhancement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8690: Relates to to the setback requirement in the Peconic and Gardiner's Bays for the Suffolk County Lease Program and Sugar Kelp production

Decreases the setback requirement in the Peconic and Gardiner's Bays for the Suffolk County Lease Program and Sugar Kelp production from 1,000 feet to 500 feet.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyDecreases setback requirements for sugar kelp production, a renewable resource, facilitating expansion of marine-based renewable energy projects.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentDecreases buffer zone from 1,000 to 500 feet, weakening environmental protections for Peconic and Gardiner's Bays by reducing setback requirements.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4021: Prohibits the installation or replacement of synthetic turf at outdoor athletic fields and facilities owned or operated by municipalities or school districts in the state

Prohibits the installation or replacement of synthetic turf at outdoor athletic fields and facilities owned or operated by municipalities or school districts in the state.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibiting synthetic turf reduces microplastic pollution and plastic waste, aligning with environmental protection goals.85% confidence

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failed · New York · Assembly May 11, 2026

A 5526: Creates a religious exemption to the ban on fossil fuel equipment and systems

Provides an exemption for the purposes of allowing the installation and use of fossil-fuel equipment and building systems where such are installed and used in a building or part of a building that is owned or occupied by a person who holds genuine and sincere religious beliefs and whose health and safety will be jeopardized due to the prohibition of the installation of fossil-fuel equipment and building systems because of such genuine and sincere religious beliefs.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts fossil fuel equipment use under religious beliefs, enabling continued fossil fuel reliance over renewable transition.95% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentCreates religious exemption to fossil fuel equipment ban, undermining environmental regulations that restrict fossil fuel use and increase pollution.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1859: Relates to the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial agents in animals

This bill restricts the non-therapeutic use of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals (like cattle, poultry, swine, and animals providing eggs or milk) when no disease is present. It bans using antimicrobials for growth promotion, feed efficiency, or routine disease prevention without clinical signs of illness. The law also prohibits selling or transporting food products derived from animals treated with such non-therapeutic antimicrobials. Violations are classified as class A misdemeanors, and the Agriculture Commissioner must create implementing rules. The bill directly affects farmers, food producers, and distributors handling meat, dairy, and egg products.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts antimicrobial overuse in livestock, reducing environmental pollution from antibiotic runoff which aligns with pollution control in environmental protection.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRestricts antimicrobial overuse in animals to combat antibiotic resistance, a critical public health threat, directly protecting human healthcare outcomes and supporting public health initiatives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Public Health

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vetoed · New York · Senate Dec 5, 2025

S 1126: Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay

Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay; imposes a five-year moratorium on placing sediment or fill in the borrow pits in Jamaica Bay.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects ecological study and imposes moratorium on sediment/fill in Jamaica Bay, protecting habitat restoration needs and preventing further environmental disturbance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8746: Requires the establishment of hybrid heating pilot programs

This bill requires New York's gas utilities to develop and implement hybrid heating pilot programs. These programs pair heat pumps with gas heating systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining reliable heating, especially in cold weather. Utilities must submit detailed plans within six months, prioritizing low-income households and disadvantaged communities, and track participation and emissions data. The state will allow utilities to recover installation costs over five years through customer surcharges, with annual reports required to evaluate performance and cost savings.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires hybrid heating programs pairing heat pumps with gas to reduce emissions, prioritizing low-income communities and tracking data - advances clean energy transition.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates hybrid heating programs pairing heat pumps with gas to reduce emissions, prioritizes low-income communities, and requires emissions tracking - directly advancing climate goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4659: Exempts innovative and alternative septic systems from sales and use taxes

This bill exempts qualifying innovative septic systems from sales and use taxes. It specifically covers systems with enhanced treatment technologies (like advanced nitrogen removal) that serve single properties (residences or small businesses) and handle no more than 1,000 gallons of waste daily. Homeowners and small businesses purchasing these systems will avoid paying state sales and use taxes on the equipment. The exemption applies only to systems meeting the defined technical and usage criteria. The bill became effective immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts qualifying septic systems from sales tax, providing tax relief to homeowners/small businesses per tax relief indicators for middle/lower income.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts nitrogen-removing septic systems from taxes, promoting adoption of pollution-reducing technology for wastewater treatment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax

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