Environment

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 5111: Enacts the "just energy transition act"

Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyPhases out fossil fuel facilities by 2030 and studies redevelopment, reducing fossil fuel dependence per bill's explicit phase-out requirement.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhases out polluting fossil fuel facilities by 2030, requiring study for cleaner energy transition. Directly reduces emissions and advances environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

Track

passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 3581: Provides lead service line identification for certain water systems

This bill requires public water systems serving specific residential areas (like those with 15+ year-round residents or 25+ regular users) to identify lead service lines. It directly affects these water systems and property owners/tenants in those areas. Key provisions include: water systems must inspect properties for lead lines after obtaining consent, with non-owner occupants allowed to consent if owners don't respond within 30 days; inspections must occur within 60 days of consent. The bill focuses solely on identifying lead pipes - not replacing them - and clarifies that non-owner occupants aren't liable for consenting to inspections.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires lead service line identification to reduce water contamination, directly addressing pollution control in environmental protection.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAddresses lead exposure risk in public water systems, a public health concern directly impacting community health outcomes under healthcare topic.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

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

Track

passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 4046: Prohibits fuel oil, grade number four in any building or facility in the state

This bill prohibits the use of grade 4 fuel oil (as defined by ASTM D396-15c) in all buildings and facilities across the state after July 1, 2030. It directly affects property owners, businesses, and institutions currently using this fuel type for heating or energy. The law implements a specific date-based ban, with an exception allowing municipalities to adopt stricter regulations. The policy change requires facilities to transition to alternative fuel sources or systems by the 2030 deadline.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBans fossil fuel (grade 4 oil) use by 2030, requiring transition to alternatives, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing clean energy transition.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans polluting grade 4 fuel oil by 2030, requiring cleaner alternatives to reduce emissions and protect environment, aligning with environmental protection indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

Track

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

Track

passed · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 7809: Establishes state composting programs

Requires all state agencies to establish a composting program in buildings owned, occupied or operated by such agencies; allows such agencies to arrange for collection of compostable waste by a private carter, transport such waste itself or process such waste on-site; requires reports on the costs and effectiveness of such programs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates composting programs to reduce landfill waste and methane emissions, directly supporting pollution control and conservation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

Track