Environment

passed both · New York · Assembly May 4, 2026

A 1388: Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to define "coal tar" for pavement products. It specifies that coal tar is a thick liquid from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The definition explicitly includes certain residues like ethylene or steam cracked residues. This change directly affects manufacturers and suppliers of pavement materials using coal tar, as it sets a clear regulatory threshold for PAH levels. The bill was advanced to third reading in April 2025 but was later substituted by S3179.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill defines coal tar with PAH threshold (1,000mg/kg) to restrict high-pollution pavement products, strengthening environmental regulations on pollution control.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Assembly Apr 21, 2026

A 2657: Establishes the electric landscaping equipment rebate program; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof

Establishes the electric landscaping equipment rebate program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution by promoting the adoption of quieter, zero-emission landscaping equipment; provides for rebates at the point of sale for applicants purchasing or leasing certain equipment; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPromotes zero-emission equipment adoption via rebates to reduce emissions and fossil fuel dependence, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure goals.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes rebate program for electric landscaping equipment to reduce emissions, improve air quality, and cut noise pollution, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Senate Mar 31, 2026

S 122: Establishes environmental standards for ambient lead and lead contamination

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires new lead standards to protect children's health by preventing unsafe blood lead levels, meeting/exceeding federal benchmarks and addressing lead pollution in air/soil.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · New York · Senate Mar 27, 2026

S 8836: Relates to certain leases for the exploration, development, and production of gas or oil in state forests, reforestation areas and wildlife management areas

Provides that the assignment, transfer, or modification of leases for exploration, development, and production of gas or oil in state forests, reforestation areas and wildlife management areas shall not allow expansion or extension of such provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits expanding oil/gas leases in state forests and wildlife areas, protecting these conservation zones from potential environmental harm.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · New York · Assembly Mar 18, 2026

A 4716: Enacts the "washing machine microfiber filtration act"

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates microfiber filtration in washing machines to capture 90% of plastic fibers, directly reducing microplastic pollution in waterways and ecosystems.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8823: Relates to the department of environmental conservation's regulation of crabs

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends DEC authority to regulate horseshoe crab quotas, preventing overharvesting to conserve species and maintain ecosystem balance, aligning with conservation protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Senate Feb 13, 2026

S 8832: Relates to rechargeable battery recycling

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.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyRecycling rechargeable batteries supports sustainable energy infrastructure by enabling material reuse critical for renewable energy storage systems like EVs and grid storage.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates battery recycling requirements for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers to prevent hazardous waste pollution, directly protecting environment through waste reduction and pollution control.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9436: Relates to finding alternatives to the use of pesticides in the monarch preservation plan

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill seeks pesticide alternatives to protect monarch habitat, reducing chemical use and enhancing conservation efforts per its title and summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9478: Establishes a New York native plants designation; repealer

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".

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes native plant standards to conserve biodiversity and promote ecosystem health through designated native species, aligning with environmental conservation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports 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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