This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to establish requirements for recycling rechargeable batteries. It directly affects battery manufacturers (who must create approved recycling plans), retailers (who must accept used batteries), and consumers (who must return batteries instead of discarding them). Key provisions require retailers to accept up to 10 batteries daily (5 for e-scooter/bike batteries), display clear signage about battery recycling, and provide return options for online purchases. Manufacturers must operate under commissioner-approved collection and recycling plans, which retailers must verify before selling batteries. The law aims to keep batteries out of landfills by creating a structured take-back system.
This bill updates environmental conservation law regarding amphibians and reptiles. It redefines "small game" to exclude most native frogs (except bullfrogs), native salamanders, native lizards, and native snakes (except common snapping turtles). These species are instead added to the definition of "protected wildlife," subjecting them to different conservation measures. The bill also clarifies that only bullfrogs and common snapping turtles remain under specific regulations for taking, with the department determining the methods for bullfrogs.
S 1069 prohibits the leasing of state-owned forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas, and unique natural areas for gas and oil production. The bill amends environmental conservation law to specifically ban these leases, protecting these lands from energy extraction. It directly affects state land management decisions and energy companies seeking to drill on these protected properties. The law takes immediate effect upon enactment.
Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; provides that a battery manufacturer may not sell, offer for sale, or distribute rechargeable batteries in the state unless the battery manufacturer is implementing or participating under an approved plan; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.
Prohibits the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands for local governments that have implemented a freshwater wetlands protection law; provides that any local law or ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall take effect on the first day of January after it shall have been adopted.
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.
Enacts the low impact landscaping rights act, preventing homeowners' associations from adopting or enforcing any rules or regulations that would effectively prohibit, or impose unreasonable limitations on, the installation or maintenance of low impact landscaping.
This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's existing authority to manage weakfish (a type of fish) through December 31, 2028. It allows the department to continue setting specific fishing regulations, such as size limits, catch quotas, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, for weakfish. These rules must remain at least as strict as current requirements and align with federal and regional fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target weakfish in New York waters.
This bill (A 8281) extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage blackfish (a type of fish) until December 31, 2028. It allows the department to set specific regulations for blackfish, including size limits, catch quotas, fishing seasons, and gear restrictions, as long as these rules are at least as strict as existing state and federal fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target blackfish in New York waters by maintaining the regulatory framework for their management. This is a procedural extension of existing authority, not a new policy change.
This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) existing authority to manage American shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It amends a specific section of environmental law to change the expiration date from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the DEC can continue its current management practices without needing new legislation. The extension directly affects the DEC's regulatory role for American shad populations in state waters. The bill passed both legislative chambers in June 2025 and was signed into law in July 2025.
