This bill redirects fines and penalties from environmental conservation violations (such as violations of fishing rules or pollution regulations) into a dedicated "conservation enforcement account" within the state conservation fund, rather than the general state fund. It specifies that all fines collected under Titles 19, 21, and 27 of the environmental conservation law, plus related surcharges, must be deposited into this account. The funds are exclusively for enforcing environmental laws, including paying for enforcement staff, scientists, and legal support. This ensures these penalties directly support conservation enforcement efforts without replacing existing funding.
Establishes the natural carbon sequestration research program to develop innovative science-based solutions to facilitate sequestration of carbon in New York's natural and working lands; provides funding for such program.
This bill adds Hague Brook to the list of waterways eligible for New York's local waterfront revitalization program. It directly affects communities along Hague Brook, allowing them to access state funding and support for projects like park improvements, erosion control, and public access. The key mechanism is an amendment to the executive law that expands the existing list of qualifying waterways, which already includes dozens of creeks and brooks across the state. The change makes Hague Brook formally eligible for the same revitalization resources available to other listed waterways.
Enacts the "H2 energy scale up act"; authorizes the New York state energy research and development authority to administer a program to provide funds related to enabling clean hydrogen projects.
Directs the commissioner to publicly publish an annual report on the environmental radiation surveillance program and analyze such report showing trends and cumulative impact, as well as notify other relevant agencies if contamination has exceeded EPA standards for maximum amounts of contamination allowed in drinking water or food.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prohibits the sale and distribution of anti-fogging sprays or wipes containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances; provides penalties for violations.
