Environment

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1802: Requires contractors in certain large cities to recycle 50% of the waste generated on construction and demolition sites

This bill requires contractors working on qualifying construction or demolition projects in cities with over 1 million residents to recycle at least 50% of the waste generated (by weight), measured after the law takes effect. It applies specifically to projects like multi-unit residential buildings, larger commercial structures, and major demolitions, excluding hazardous materials like asbestos or lead-contaminated waste. Contractors must document compliance within 30 days of project completion and face fines for non-compliance, with a phased approach starting at 25% for projects permitted within one year of enactment. The law aims to reduce landfill use by integrating recycling requirements into existing waste management systems for large urban projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 50% waste recycling for construction projects, reducing landfill use and promoting resource conservation in large cities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 102: Prohibits the removal of managed natural landscapes

This bill protects privately maintained natural landscapes from being declared public nuisances by local health authorities. It defines "managed natural landscapes" as intentionally planted native or non-native plants (including rain gardens, meadows, and ornamental vegetation) that exceed 8 inches in height and have gone to seed. Local health boards can no longer order removal of these landscapes, though they may still address actual noxious weeds like ragweed. The law directly affects private property owners who maintain such landscapes, ensuring their legally established vegetation cannot be targeted under nuisance laws.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill protects managed natural landscapes (rain gardens, meadows) from removal, preserving biodiversity and stormwater management benefits. Directly advances conservation by preventing local authorities from dismantling environmentally beneficial v...95% confidence

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signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8658: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage alewife

This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage alewife fish populations until December 31, 2028. It amends existing law to change the expiration date from 2025 to 2028, maintaining the department's current management powers. The extension directly affects the conservation and management of alewife, a migratory fish species, and the department's regulatory responsibilities. The bill was signed into law on July 29, 2025, and is now effective.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends DEP authority to manage alewife populations, sustaining conservation efforts for migratory species under existing regulatory framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 8073: Relates to exempting school buses from certain regulations on the percentage of zero-emission vehicles in manufacturers' sales fleets

Exempts school buses from certain regulations relating to the percentage of zero-emission vehicles in manufacturer's sales fleets of medium-duty and heavy-duty vehicles.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyExempts school buses from zero-emission vehicle fleet requirements, weakening clean transportation standards and reducing adoption of renewable energy in school bus infrastructure.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExempts school buses from zero-emission vehicle requirements, weakening emissions regulations and reducing pressure to adopt cleaner transportation.85% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationExempts school buses from zero-emission vehicle regulations, weakening fleet emissions standards in transportation policy.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7751: Directs the public service commission to modify the objectives of the Clean Energy Fund for reductions of air pollution, and relating to the value of distributed energy resources

Directs the public service commission to modify the objectives of the Clean Energy Fund for reductions of air pollution including oxides of nitrogen, sulfur dioxide and particulate matter; relates to the value of distributed energy resources.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill directs Clean Energy Fund modifications to reduce air pollution (NOx, SO2, particulates) and values distributed energy resources, advancing clean energy infrastructure goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects Clean Energy Fund modifications to reduce specific air pollutants (NOx, SO2, particulates), advancing pollution control and clean energy objectives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Utility Regulation Air Quality

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2482: Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy systems

Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy sources as a primary source of energy; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study and make recommendations for such purpose.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by funding renewable energy conversion, aligning with 'enhances school infrastructure' indicator for education support.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates school districts to convert to renewable energy systems as primary source, directs NYSERDA study for recommendations, directly promoting renewable energy adoption in public infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates renewable energy conversion for schools via NYSERDA study, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per environmental indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 6931: Directs state agencies to adopt a waste diversion plan

This bill requires New York state agencies (including SUNY, CUNY, and other entities overseen by the governor) to create waste diversion plans aimed at reducing landfill waste. Agencies must achieve a 10% annual reduction in waste disposal every five years, targeting a 75% overall decrease from 2018-2019 levels by 2033. Plans must detail strategies for diverting recyclables, compostables, and organics from landfills, eliminating single-use plastics where safe, and implementing dual-stream recycling where feasible. The GreenNY Council will oversee implementation and review plans, which must be publicly posted online.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 75% landfill waste reduction by 2033 via diversion plans, targeting pollution control and conservation through recyclables/compostables and single-use plastic elimination.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8848: Relates to extending the exemption of certain chemicals used in mattresses from regulation for an additional year

This bill extends an existing exemption allowing mattress manufacturers to use specific chemicals (modacrylic fibers without antimony trioxide or aramid fibers) in certain mattress components, without subjecting them to environmental regulations. It directly affects mattress producers who currently use these materials as barrier layers or bottom fabric. The key change updates the exemption's expiration date from January 1, 2026, to January 1, 2027, in New York's environmental conservation law. The bill makes no other policy changes and applies only to the specified mattress manufacturing uses.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentExtends exemption from environmental regulations for mattress chemicals, removing oversight and weakening protections against chemical use.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6798: Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study on carbon recapture

Directs the New York state energy research and development authority to conduct a feasibility study and prepare a report on the benefits and implementation of carbon recapture.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill directs feasibility study on carbon recapture, a clean energy technology advancing emissions reduction and infrastructure development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects feasibility study on carbon recapture, a climate mitigation technology to reduce emissions, advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4059: Relates to prohibitions on single-use food service items

Provides that restaurants and third-party food delivery service may provide single-use food service items to customers when explicitly requested by the customer; prohibits certain plastic single-use items.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits plastic single-use items, reducing plastic pollution and waste in line with environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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