This bill establishes New York's "Farmland for a New Generation" program to support farmland access and transfer. It creates a statewide resource center (partnering with American Farmland Trust) and regional navigators to help new farmers find affordable land, assist established farmers in succession planning, connect landowners with farmers, and support conservation easements. The program requires state funding for the resource center and financial assistance for regional navigators through organizations like Cornell Cooperative Extension. It directly affects farmers, landowners, and agricultural businesses seeking to start, expand, or transfer farmland operations across New York.
This bill requires New York's Environmental Conservation and Health departments to establish new lead exposure standards within 180 days. The standards will address lead in soil, floors, window sills, and air to protect children's health, meeting or exceeding federal benchmarks (like 40 CFR Part 745 as of January 2025). It mandates that all new standards must prevent blood lead levels from exceeding safe thresholds. The law expires one year after enactment unless implemented earlier.
This bill requires all new washing machines sold in the state after January 1, 2030, to include a microfiber filtration system that captures at least 90% of tiny fibers (100 micrometers or larger) released during washing. It directly affects manufacturers, retailers, and consumers by mandating these systems, requiring clear consumer labels explaining the filtration, and demanding manufacturer compliance certificates. Retailers can still sell existing inventory (acquired by December 31, 2029) without the filtration system. The law aims to reduce microfiber pollution from laundry, with penalties up to $1,000 for violations.
Extends DEC's authority to regulate management of crabs; authorizes the department of environmental conservation to take any actions necessary to ensure any quota limiting the taking of horseshoe crabs does not exceed certain thresholds.
Relates to finding alternatives to the use of pesticides in the monarch preservation plan and allowing agricultural lands that are not in active production be used to enhance the monarch butterfly habitat.
Directs the department of agriculture and markets, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish standards for designation of native plants, to develop a list of native plants that indicates and differentiates between native plants that are indigenous to New York state and those that are native plants found elsewhere in the United States that are likely to shift or expand their range into NY, to establish a New York native plant designation, and to offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state; defines "native plants".
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.
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.
Relates to the availability of technical assistance grants in brownfield site remedial programs; provides that the commissioner of environmental conservation shall provide grants to the New York city community board with jurisdiction over the site or to any not-for-profit corporation exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code at any site which may be affected by a brownfield site remedial program.
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.
