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 · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 3179: Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

This bill clarifies the legal definition of "coal tar" used in pavement products under environmental law. It specifies that coal tar includes any thick, black substance derived from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The change directly affects pavement manufacturers and environmental regulators by establishing a clear standard for measuring PAH levels in products, ensuring consistency with existing environmental rules. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines how coal tar is identified for regulatory enforcement.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies PAH definition in pavement products to ensure consistency with environmental regulations, reinforcing pollution control standards for coal tar derivatives containing PAHs.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4030: Relates to emissions of toxic air contaminants

Bill S 4030 directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish ambient air quality standards for specific toxic air contaminants, such as benzene and mercury, by December 31, 2027. These standards must be based on scientific data regarding potential adverse human health effects. The bill requires that starting in 2028, these toxic air contaminants be incorporated into permits for "major sources" - large stationary air contamination sources. Additionally, the department must establish regulations by December 31, 2027, for fenceline monitoring by major sources, especially considering their proximity to disadvantaged communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates stricter air quality standards for toxic contaminants, requiring permits to incorporate health-based limits by 2028, strengthening pollution control.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 9311: 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 study of ecological restoration and imposes moratorium on sediment/fill in Jamaica Bay, protecting habitat and preventing degradation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 17: Allows industrial development agencies to make grants to municipalities for open space preservation, parkland improvements and conservation easements

Allows industrial development agencies to make grants to municipalities for open space preservation, parkland improvements and conservation easements where the municipal governing body finds that the grant encourages tourism or otherwise improves quality of life.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAuthorizes grants for conservation and tourism projects, funding public initiatives under municipal budgets through industrial development agencies.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides grants for conservation easements, open space preservation, and parkland improvements - directly advancing environmental conservation and natural resource protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 27, 2026

S 7718: Requires owners of certain large vessels to establish whale strike prevention policies

This bill requires owners of commercial vessels 500 feet or longer operating in New York's marine and coastal district to create and submit whale strike prevention policies by July 1, 2027. The policies must include science-based measures like speed reductions, crew training, and vessel-specific considerations to minimize collisions with whales. Vessel owners must submit these policies at least 48 hours before entering the district (no more than annually), and failure to comply results in fines of $1,000-$15,000 per day. The law aligns with federal guidelines but does not override existing vessel speed restrictions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates science-based vessel policies to prevent whale collisions, directly conserving marine life and strengthening environmental protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 9268: Prohibits the sale and distribution of anti-fogging sprays or wipes containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances

Prohibits the sale and distribution of anti-fogging sprays or wipes containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; provides penalties for violations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans PFAS-containing products, reducing environmental pollution from persistent toxic chemicals linked to water contamination and ecosystem harm.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 6765: Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats

Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats; establishes a fund for the stewardship of mercury thermostats; extends the effectiveness of the mercury thermostat collection act.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates proper mercury thermostat disposal to prevent environmental contamination, directly aligning with pollution control and hazardous waste management under environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 1668: Relates to authorizing the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide grants related to enabling switching residences to electric heat pumps

Authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide grants or loans for the costs related to enabling switching residences with propane or fuel-oil heating systems to efficient electric heat pumps.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAuthorizes grants to switch from fossil fuel heating (propane/fuel oil) to electric heat pumps, promoting renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes grants to switch from fossil fuel heating to electric heat pumps, reducing emissions and promoting clean energy adoption.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 5111: Enacts the "just energy transition act"

Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPhases out fossil fuel facilities by 2030 and studies redevelopment, reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's explicit phase-out requirement.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhases out polluting fossil fuel facilities by 2030, requiring study for cleaner energy transition. Directly reduces emissions and advances environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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