Environment

died · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6581: Excludes amphibians and reptiles from the definition of small game; repealer

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReclassifies amphibians/reptiles to protected wildlife, strengthening conservation measures instead of allowing hunting under small game rules.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 1069: Prohibits the lease of state forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas and unique areas for the purpose of gas and oil production

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.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill explicitly prohibits leasing protected lands for gas/oil production, restricting fossil fuel extraction and protecting natural areas from energy development.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans leasing state forests/wildlife areas for oil/gas, protecting natural habitats from extraction and strengthening conservation95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Senate Dec 19, 2025

S 7359: Establishes a New York native plants designation

Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes conservation of native plants through certification, supporting local biodiversity and sustainable practices in product labeling.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Dec 12, 2025

A 1819: Enacts the monarch preservation plan

Enacts the monarch preservation plan requiring the department of environmental conservation to take feasible actions to conserve monarch butterflies and the unique habitats they depend upon for successful migration.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires department to conserve monarch butterflies and habitats, directly advancing species protection and ecosystem conservation under environmental policy.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

vetoed · New York · Senate Dec 5, 2025

S 5983: Prohibits the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits pesticides in freshwater wetlands, directly protecting ecosystems from chemical pollution and aligning with conservation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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vetoed · New York · Senate Dec 5, 2025

S 1126: Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects ecological study and imposes moratorium on sediment/fill in Jamaica Bay, protecting habitat restoration needs and preventing further environmental disturbance.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · New York · Senate Nov 12, 2025

S 1704: Relates to reduction of air pollution from petroleum bulk storage facilities

Expands the options for shell color and roof color of petroleum bulk storage tanks to either white or beige/cream or which limits volatile emissions to the same or to a greater extent as a shell color and roof color of white or beige/cream as determined by the department of environmental conservation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates tank colors (white/beige) to limit volatile emissions, directly reducing air pollution from petroleum facilities per environmental department standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Senate Oct 27, 2025

S 8047: Relates to the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex in Essex County

This law establishes specific rules for the Mount Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex on forest preserve land in Essex County. It limits the complex to using no more than 322 acres of forest preserve land for skiing trails and related facilities (like parking and maintenance buildings), while requiring the state to acquire at least 2,500 additional acres of forest land for the Adirondack Park Preserve as an offset. All development must follow Adirondack Park planning guidelines, and the law defines "necessary facilities" (e.g., trails, parking) while excluding unrelated structures like hotels or zip lines. The law implements a constitutional amendment to balance the complex’s land use with forest preserve expansion.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires 2,500-acre land acquisition for Adirondack Park Preserve as offset, mandating conservation while limiting complex footprint to 322 acres per Adirondack guidelines.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

vetoed · New York · Assembly Oct 17, 2025

A 1890: Enacts the low impact landscaping rights act

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables eco-friendly landscaping practices that conserve water, reduce runoff, and support biodiversity, directly advancing environmental conservation goals.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8428: Relates to the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage fish

Extends provisions of law relating to the authority of the department of environmental conservation to fix by regulation open seasons, size and catch limits and manner of taking fish from December 31, 2025 until December 31, 2028.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends regulatory authority for fish conservation, maintaining existing protections without weakening environmental management standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment