Environment

died · New York · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 4403: Authorizes the attorney general to approve certain state land acquisitions made for the purposes of land conservation

Authorizes the attorney general to approve certain state land acquisitions made for the purposes of land conservation, and to accept a title policy from a commercial insurer to cover any title defects that would otherwise render the title unmarketable.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly authorizes land acquisitions for conservation, directly advancing natural resource protection and land conservation efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

S 659: Relates to the general civil penalty of the environmental conservation law

Relates to the general civil penalty of the environmental conservation law; provides that in addition to the fines, such person may be enjoined from continuing such violation and any permit or certificate issued to such person may be revoked or suspended, or a pending renewal application may be denied.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStrengthens environmental enforcement by adding injunctions and permit revocation for violations under conservation law.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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died · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

S 1529: Establishes a carbon farming tax credit for farmers

Establishes the carbon farming certification committee for the purpose of developing a certification framework, determining qualified carbon removal practices eligible for the carbon farming tax credit, and promulgating certification standards for qualified carbon removal practices; provides for the development of educational materials to encourage carbon farming by promoting farming practices which reduce, sequester and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions on land used in support of a farm operation; establishes carbon farming tax credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates tax credit for carbon farming, providing direct tax relief to farmers, explicitly impacting state tax policy and revenue.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides tax credit for carbon farming to increase sequestration, directly reducing emissions and advancing climate goals through agricultural practices.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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died · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 2032: Establishes the previously owned zero-emission vehicles rebate program

Establishes the previously owned zero-emission vehicles rebate program to provide an incentive of an amount up to $2,000 for individuals who purchase used or previously owned zero-emission vehicles.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState-funded rebate program requires budget allocation, constituting new government spending to incentivize zero-emission vehicle purchases.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill provides $2,000 rebates for used zero-emission vehicle purchases, directly reducing transportation emissions and promoting clean energy adoption per environmental indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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died · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 6307: Relates to the prevention and mitigation of marine and coastal debris

Relates to the prevention and mitigation of marine and coastal debris; defines terms; requires the department of environmental conservation to prepare and annually update a marine and coastal debris action plan.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates an action plan to prevent/mitigate marine debris, directly reducing pollution and protecting coastal ecosystems per environmental conservation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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died · New York · Senate Feb 24, 2026

S 1733: Creates a program to assist municipalities with water quality improvement of water bodies within the municipality managed by lake associations

Bill S 1733 creates a new program to help municipalities improve water quality in water bodies managed by lake associations within their jurisdiction. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will establish this program to identify water quality concerns, determine effective remediation strategies, and assist with best practices for maintaining water quality. Additionally, the DEC will create a grant program to provide financial assistance to municipalities for remedial actions. The department is authorized to develop rules and regulations to implement these provisions.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates DEC grant program for municipal water quality remediation, directly funding state budget allocation for environmental programs.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates DEC program with grants to improve municipal water quality through remediation strategies, directly advancing environmental protection of water bodies.95% 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