Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 6762: Prohibits the sale of used oil and establishes civil and criminal penalties

This bill prohibits the sale of used oil (from vehicles) to anyone except oil rerefining facilities. It directly affects auto shops, mechanics, and businesses that collect or handle used oil, banning their sale to the general public or for disposal in landfills. Key provisions include civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation for selling used oil and criminal penalties for knowing violations, including fines up to $18,000 or up to one year in jail. The law also bans selling "used oil disposal kits" meant for trash disposal, requiring proper recycling instead.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits improper used oil disposal, preventing pollution and requiring proper rerefining, directly advancing environmental protection by reducing contamination risks.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1183: Prohibits fuel oil, grade number four in any building or facility in the state

This bill prohibits the use of grade 4 fuel oil (a specific type of heavy fuel oil classified under ASTM D396-15c) in all buildings and facilities across the state after July 1, 2030. It directly affects commercial, industrial, and residential properties that currently rely on this fuel for heating or energy. The key provision sets a clear deadline for the phaseout, while allowing municipalities to adopt stricter local regulations if desired. The bill does not require immediate replacement but mandates a transition to alternative fuels or systems by the 2030 deadline. This is a substantive environmental regulation focused on reducing emissions from a specific fuel source.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPhasing out grade 4 fossil fuel oil aligns with reducing fossil fuel dependence in energy production, supporting cleaner alternatives.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhases out high-emission grade 4 fuel oil, reducing pollution and aligning with environmental protection goals through a clear deadline.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1547: Relates to production credit for production of biomethane

This bill creates a tax credit for New York producers of biomethane, a renewable fuel made from organic waste (like landfill gas or agricultural manure) processed in anaerobic digesters. It provides a credit of 15 cents per gallon for the first 40,000 gallons of biomethane produced annually per facility, increasing to 25 cents per gallon beyond that threshold. The credit is capped at $2.5 million per facility per year for up to four consecutive years, applying to taxable years beginning before 2020. This directly benefits New York-based biomethane producers by reducing their state tax liability for qualifying production.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for biomethane producers, reducing taxable liability for eligible facilities, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates tax credit for biomethane (renewable fuel) production, directly funding renewable energy development through financial incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill incentivizes biomethane production from organic waste, a renewable fuel that reduces methane emissions and promotes clean energy, aligning with environmental protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill incentivizes biomethane production - a renewable transportation fuel - aligning with sustainable transportation promotion indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Mar 6, 2026

A 472: Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates clean fuel standard to reduce GHG intensity in transportation, directly promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence per its summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates cleaner fuel standards to reduce transportation sector greenhouse gas emissions, directly advancing climate protection goals.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationReduces greenhouse gas intensity in on-road transportation via clean fuel standards, directly advancing sustainable transportation goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways

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signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8656: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage hickory shad

This bill (A 8656) extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) authority to manage hickory shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It updates the expiration date in existing law from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the DEC can continue its conservation efforts for this species. The change directly affects the DEC's ongoing management of hickory shad populations and their habitat within New York waters. The bill modifies a specific provision in environmental law without altering the species' conservation status or introducing new regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends DEC authority for hickory shad conservation, maintaining habitat management efforts per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

passed both · New York · Senate May 20, 2026

S 5159: 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 EnvironmentBill mandates designation of community gardens as critical environmental areas, promoting conservation and protection of green spaces per legislative intent.90% confidence

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7036: Adds hazardous air quality to the state definition of a disaster and includes air quality emergency preparedness in local comprehensive emergency management plans

Adds hazardous air quality to the state definition of a disaster; requires explicit inclusion of air quality emergency preparedness in local comprehensive emergency management plans with an action plan and annual inventory of air quality emergency resources.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates inclusion of air quality emergency preparedness in disaster plans, strengthening response to hazardous air events and protecting public health during environmental crises.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Natural Disasters Tags Emergency Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 7550: Relates to real property tax exemptions for preservation of forest lands and state assistance to municipalities

Authorizes state assistance to municipalities containing exempt privately owned forest lands; expands categories of lands eligible for certain property tax exemptions as forest lands; authorizes tax exemptions for certain conservation easement tracts; provides for violations of certain provisions relating to filing for tax exemptions of forest lands.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands property tax exemptions for forest lands, providing tax relief to landowners while authorizing state assistance to municipalities. Aligns with tax relief indicators.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands tax exemptions for forest land preservation and conservation easements, directly supporting environmental conservation through property tax incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Conservation Forestry

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2472: Relates to prohibiting horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing

S 2472 prohibits all horizontal drilling and high-volume hydraulic fracturing (using 300,000+ gallons of water per well completion) and gelled propane hydraulic fracturing statewide. It directly affects oil and gas operators, banning these specific extraction methods regardless of well type. The bill defines "high-volume hydraulic fracturing" as using 300,000+ gallons of water (fresh or recycled) across all well stages, and explicitly prohibits both methods in the state. The law takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBans fossil fuel extraction methods (fracking/horizontal drilling), restricting oil/gas production and opposing conventional energy development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans high-volume fracking (300k+ gal/well) and gelled propane methods, directly protecting water resources and reducing pollution risks from oil/gas extraction.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Oil & Gas

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 29, 2025

S 3658: Enacts the feathered lives also count act

Enacts the feathered lives also count act directing the commissioner of general services to incorporate practices and strategies to reduce bird fatality resulting from collisions with certain state-owned or state-leased buildings, and for other purposes; requires the commissioner to develop a design guide that includes features, methods and strategies, and best practices for reducing bird fatalities; requires the commissioner to report to the governor and the legislature.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates building modifications to prevent bird collisions, directly protecting wildlife and advancing conservation goals under environmental protection policies.95% confidence

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