This bill allows the town of Warwick to use up to 10% of its existing community preservation fund for water quality improvement projects, such as cleaning rivers or protecting drinking water sources. Previously, these funds could only be used for preserving community character (e.g., land conservation). The change explicitly adds water quality projects to the fund's permitted uses while maintaining the 10% spending limit. It does not create new funding but reallocates existing resources for environmental protection.
Relates to establishing extended producer responsibility for tires; provides that no later than June 30, 2027 a producer shall submit a plan for the establishment of a collection program for tires; establishes the tire extended producer responsibility fund.
Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy sources as a primary source of energy; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study and make recommendations for such purpose.
Authorizes the department of environmental conservation to independently add to the lists of prohibited and regulated invasive species on an emergency basis pending review by the department of agriculture and markets in consultation with the New York invasive species council.
Relates to bioheating fuel requirements; allows B100 or B99 biofuel and R100 or R99 renewable fuel to be used to blend with or replace fossil heating oil in order to create bioheating fuel.
Establishes the "garden protection act", protecting the rights of individuals to cultivate home vegetable gardens, native plant gardens, and/or pollinator gardens.
Requires air quality monitoring of certain major mass transportation projects that involve an excavation operation within a city having a population of one million or more.
Requires reporting of climate-related financial risk by certain entities; defines climate-related financial risk to mean material harm to financial outcomes of the entity due to physical and transition risks.
This bill directs New York's Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to study retrofitting air filtration, ventilation, and building sealing in public and charter schools located within 500 feet of major highways. The study will assess existing systems, identify gaps, evaluate feasibility, and estimate costs for improving indoor air quality near traffic pollution. It specifically requires the DEC and Education Department to examine building envelopes (like windows and walls), air systems, and prioritize schools based on pollution exposure and student vulnerability. The study is a preliminary step - no funding or immediate action is provided - and must be completed within one year for review by state leaders.
Establishes the New York youth climate corps to support and grow climate-related service opportunities for young adults with the objective of building low-carbon and climate-resilient communities, ecosystems, and economies while providing education, workforce development, and career pathways to service members, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.
