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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failed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 2712: Directs the public service commission to conduct a full cost benefit analysis on renewable energy systems; and makes changes in relation to greenhouse gas emission limits

Directs the public service commission to conduct a full cost benefit analysis of the technical and economic feasibility of renewable energy systems in the state of New York and to compare such directly with other methods of electricity generation; makes certain changes relating to greenhouse gas emissions limits.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates cost-benefit analysis of renewables vs. other energy sources and adjusts greenhouse gas limits to promote clean energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects cost-benefit analysis for renewables and modifies greenhouse gas limits, promoting clean energy adoption and emission reductions.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 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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passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 4357: Authorizes vocational training, where practicable, to incarcerated individuals on the installation of solar hot water systems for the provision of hot water to correctional facilities

Authorizes vocational training, where practicable, to incarcerated individuals on the installation of solar hot water systems for the provision of hot water to correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes vocational training for incarcerated individuals, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism through skills development in solar systems installation - directly aligns with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill authorizes vocational training for installing solar hot water systems in correctional facilities, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure through solar adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes clean energy use via solar installations in facilities, reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 21, 2026

S 9294: Relates to the availability of technical assistance grants in brownfield site remedial programs

Relates to the availability of technical assistance grants in brownfield site remedial programs; provides that the commissioner of environmental conservation shall provide grants to the New York city community board with jurisdiction over the site or to any not-for-profit corporation exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the internal revenue code at any site which may be affected by a brownfield site remedial program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProvides grants for brownfield remediation, directly funding cleanup of contaminated sites to protect environmental health and safety.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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