Environment

passed · New York · Assembly Jun 3, 2026

A 9047: Prohibits the use of unencapsulated foam flotation in docks, buoys and floating structures

This bill prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of polystyrene foam docks, buoys, and floating structures in the state starting January 1, 2027. It directly affects businesses that manufacture, sell, or distribute these products, including manufacturers of foam docks and retailers. The law bans items made with expanded polystyrene foam, extruded polystyrene foam, or rigid polystyrene, covering structures like boat docks, navigation markers, and recreational platforms. The prohibition applies to all sales and distribution within the state, with no exceptions specified. The bill defines key terms like "dock" and "floating structure" to clarify its scope.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans polystyrene foam, a persistent pollutant, to reduce marine plastic waste and protect aquatic ecosystems95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 3, 2026

S 3207: Establishes maximum contaminant levels and a hazard index in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

Establishes maximum contaminant levels in drinking water for certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS); sets such levels at no higher than 4 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and no higher than 10 parts per trillion (ppt) for perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA), perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), and hexafluoropropylene oxide dimer acid (HFPO-DA).

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill sets strict PFAS limits (4-10 ppt) in drinking water, directly strengthening environmental protection standards for water quality and public health by reducing toxic contamination.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSets strict PFAS limits in drinking water to prevent health risks, aligning with public health protection in healthcare policies.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 10117: Establishes a stakeholder group in the Oswego river basin

This bill creates a stakeholder group to coordinate water releases in the Oswego river basin, directly affecting entities managing flood discharges, local communities, and the Department of Environmental Conservation. The group must review flood storage and watershed release strategies, including modeling, and recommend a regulatory structure for coordinating water releases during high-flow events. Within six months of forming, the group must propose options to the governor and legislature, such as continuing the group, mandating coordination, or establishing a water regulating district. The bill requires the group to consider all available data and make specific recommendations on how to improve communication and water management during flood events.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates stakeholder group involving DEC to coordinate water releases and review flood storage/watershed strategies, directly supporting environmental conservation and resource management in river basin.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 2, 2026

A 9598: Relates to prohibitions on the use of certain tropical hardwoods for state contracts

Requires that companies contracting with the state do not contribute to tropical forest degradation or deforestation directly or through their supply chains.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits state contractors from using tropical hardwoods linked to deforestation, directly protecting tropical forests and natural resources through supply chain restrictions.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 4574: Enacts the "PFAS discharge disclosure act"

Enacts the "PFAS discharge disclosure act"; requires certain SPDES permit holders to conduct PFAS monitoring and disclose the results from such monitoring.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates PFAS monitoring/disclosure for permit holders, increasing transparency on toxic pollutants to protect water resources and public health.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 10045: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to restrict the taking of fish, shellfish and crustacea in special management areas

Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to restrict the taking of fish, shellfish and crustacea in special management areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends authority to restrict taking of aquatic life in special management areas, directly strengthening conservation and environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 9111: Relates to portable solar generation devices

This bill defines "portable solar generation devices" (moveable solar panels connecting via standard outlets, max 1,200 watts, certified by labs) and exempts them from utility interconnection and net metering requirements. It directly affects residential customers using these small solar devices and electric utilities. Key provisions prevent utilities from requiring approval, charging fees, or demanding extra equipment for these devices, while also shielding utilities from liability for device-related damage. The law takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts portable solar devices from utility fees/interconnection requirements, lowering barriers for residential renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts small solar devices from utility fees/requirements, promoting residential clean energy adoption and reducing barriers to renewable use.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts portable solar devices from utility fees/restrictions, promoting residential renewable energy technology adoption.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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 | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Assembly May 18, 2026

A 9297: Provides a host community benefit for customers in a host community where data centers are expanded or placed

This bill requires new or significantly expanding hyperscale data centers (over 10,000 sq ft/5+ MW) to fund residential energy upgrades that offset their electricity demand. It directs these funds toward installing cold-climate heat pumps, rooftop solar, and battery storage in New York homes with outdated systems, prioritizing low-income and disadvantaged communities. NYSERDA will administer the program, ensuring projects align with state climate goals and provide free installations. The funds flow into a dedicated "Clean Home Energy Offset Fund" managed by NYSERDA, with data center operators required to submit annual compliance reports.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates data centers to fund residential solar, heat pumps, and battery storage installations, advancing clean energy infrastructure and climate goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates data centers to fund clean energy upgrades (heat pumps, solar, storage) in low-income homes, directly advancing climate goals through renewable energy adoption and energy efficiency.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingPrioritizes low-income communities for free energy upgrades (heat pumps, solar), reducing utility costs and enhancing housing affordability through direct funding.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 1984: Directs the commissioner to publicly publish an annual report on the environmental radiation surveillance program

Directs the commissioner to publicly publish an annual report on the environmental radiation surveillance program and analyze such report showing trends and cumulative impact, as well as notify other relevant agencies if contamination has exceeded EPA standards for maximum amounts of contamination allowed in drinking water or food.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates annual radiation surveillance reports and notification if EPA standards exceeded, ensuring compliance with environmental protection standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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