Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2025

S 7772: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage weakfish

This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's existing authority to manage weakfish (a type of fish) until December 31, 2028. It allows the department to set regulations on catch limits, size restrictions, fishing seasons, closed areas, and gear requirements for weakfish. These rules must be at least as strict as current state and federal fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target weakfish in New York waters.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends strict fishery management authority to protect weakfish population under conservation regulations, maintaining or strengthening existing environmental protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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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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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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passed · New York · Assembly May 6, 2025

K 433: Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim May 4-10, 2025, as Compost Awareness Week in the State of New York

Assembly Resolution No. 433 requests Governor Kathy Hochul to officially proclaim May 4-10, 2025, as Compost Awareness Week in the State of New York. This resolution aims to highlight the benefits of composting for waste reduction, soil health, and environmental sustainability, aligning with International Compost Awareness Week.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill promotes composting awareness to reduce waste, improve soil health, and advance environmental sustainability per its summary.95% confidence

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failed · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2005: Authorizes school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education authorizing such districts to opt-out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements

Authorizes school districts to submit an opt-out waiver to the commissioner of education authorizing such districts to opt-out of certain zero-emission school bus requirements.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill allows school districts to opt out of zero-emission school bus requirements, weakening clean energy mandates for transportation infrastructure.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill allows school districts to opt out of zero-emission bus requirements, weakening environmental standards for school transportation emissions.95% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationAllows school districts to opt out of zero-emission bus requirements, weakening sustainable transportation standards and environmental regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Public Transit

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died · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4672: Requires signage on state highways designating where there are zero-emission charging and refueling stations nearby

Requires signage on state highways designating where there is a zero-emission charging and refueling station that is open and available to the public within three miles of an exit or off-ramp.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRequires signage for zero-emission charging/refueling stations, directly promoting renewable energy infrastructure access and adoption of clean transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires signage for zero-emission charging/refueling stations, promoting EV adoption and reducing transportation emissions, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires signage for zero-emission charging stations on highways, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure and EV adoption per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1930: Requires state agencies and contractors to recycle 50% of the waste generated on public works construction and demolition sites

This bill requires state agencies and contractors to recycle or reuse 25% of construction and demolition waste on public works sites for projects starting within one year of the law's effective date, and 50% for projects starting one year later. After project completion, contractors and state agencies must submit documented proof - including notarized affidavits from waste haulers or recyclers - to the state comptroller within 30 days to verify compliance. The law applies to state departments, universities (excluding community colleges), and specific state authorities managing public construction and demolition projects. It focuses on reducing landfill waste through mandatory recycling targets and clear reporting requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates 25-50% recycling of construction/demolition waste, directly reducing landfill use and promoting resource conservation per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2172: Provides small businesses with grants to commercialize energy and environmental technology innovations in-state

Provides small businesses with grants of up to $100,000 to commercialize energy and environmental technology innovations and ideas in-state to stimulate economic development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state budget funds via $100k grants to stimulate economic development through small business innovation, directly advancing public spending for economic growth.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides grants for commercializing energy/environmental tech, directly funding renewable energy innovation and infrastructure development per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds commercialization of environmental tech innovations, directly supporting clean energy development and environmental protection initiatives.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProvides grants to commercialize energy/environmental technology innovations, directly funding technology advancement in a specific sector.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Tax Incentives Tags Small Business

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6309: Relates to the establishment of regional arts, cultural affairs, and parks sustainability grants

This bill establishes 10 regional grant programs across New York State for arts, cultural, and parks organizations focused on sustainability. Each region (like Long Island, NYC, or the Finger Lakes) will have a council appointed by the governor, assembly speaker, and senate president to distribute competitive grants. Grants prioritize capital projects that reduce emissions, conserve resources, and promote sustainability, with specific funding splits: equal support for large/small organizations in NYC ($10M+ vs. < $10M budget) and other regions ($5M+ vs. < $5M). The grants cannot fund the same organization more than once every three years, and parks organizations cannot receive over 50% of total grant funds in a year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds via regional grants for sustainability projects, increasing budgetary support for arts/cultural/parks programs through competitive funding distribution.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPrioritizes capital projects reducing emissions and promoting sustainability, directly advancing energy efficiency and clean resource use within grant criteria.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill funds sustainability projects reducing emissions and conserving resources via regional grants, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 3477: Authorizes the use of benthic barriers to control invasive aquatic plants around docks

This bill allows residential dock owners in New York to temporarily install benthic barriers (gas-permeable films anchored without stones) between July 1 and October 31 annually to control invasive aquatic plants near their docks or swimming areas. It directly affects property owners with freshwater docks by authorizing this method without requiring permits typically needed for "fill" under environmental regulations. The law explicitly exempts these barriers from standard fill regulations and General Permit GP-0-17-001, simplifying their use during the specified season. It does not alter broader environmental protections or apply to other water bodies or times of year.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts benthic barriers from standard fill regulations, weakening environmental oversight for invasive plant control methods without requiring permits.85% confidence

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