Environment

passed · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 548: Authorizes the state to convey certain forest preserve land

Authorizes the state to convey certain forest preserve land; provides such sale shall be subject to legislative approval and the proceeds of such conveyance shall be used for acquisitions to the forest preserve.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs sale proceeds to acquire additional forest preserve land, actively expanding conservation efforts rather than depleting resources.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 8463: Provides a one-year utility bill tax and surcharge holiday and two-year green energy tax holiday

S 8463 provides a one-year exemption from utility taxes and specific surcharges for all residential and commercial utility customers, effective 14 days after enactment. It also creates a two-year exemption from tariffs for renewable energy systems, electric vehicle infrastructure, and charging stations. During these periods, utility companies must reduce customer prices by the exact amount of the exempted taxes and surcharges. The state will reimburse lost revenue to utility funds within 45 days after the one-year period ends. This bill directly affects all utility ratepayers and impacts how utilities price services for renewable energy investments.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides temporary tax exemptions for utilities and green energy, reducing consumer costs while reimbursing state funds - direct tax relief for households and businesses.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides tax exemptions for renewable energy systems and EV infrastructure, reducing consumer costs while promoting clean energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProvides tax holidays for renewable energy systems and EV infrastructure, incentivizing clean energy adoption and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill exempts EV infrastructure and charging stations from taxes, directly promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure development.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 5014: Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products

Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans importation/possession of African wildlife trophies to protect endangered species, directly advancing conservation goals per environmental topic definition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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died · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 1343: Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes clean fuel standard to reduce greenhouse gas intensity in transportation, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes clean fuel standard to reduce transportation GHG emissions, directly advancing climate goals per its summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes clean fuel standard targeting on-road transportation emissions reduction, directly advancing sustainable transportation policies per summary.95% 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 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 1833: Enacts the "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act"

S 1833 creates New York's "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act," establishing a state program to address toxic algae outbreaks in waterways. It requires state agencies to collect, consolidate, and analyze statewide data on harmful algal blooms (HABs), including water conditions and prevention efforts, and maintain a public database. The law mandates annual publication of region-specific best practices for HAB prevention and a comprehensive five-year report with public input, recommending coordinated state and local actions. This directly affects state environmental agencies and local municipalities managing water resources, focusing on data-driven prevention rather than new regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes monitoring/prevention program for toxic algae outbreaks in waterways, requiring data collection, public databases, and prevention practices to protect water quality and ecosystems.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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