Environment

passed both · New York · Senate May 20, 2026

S 5159: Relates to providing additional duties of the community gardens task force

Requires the community gardens task force to conduct an assessment of all community gardens located on publicly owned land in the state to facilitate each garden's designation as a critical environmental area.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates designation of community gardens as critical environmental areas, promoting conservation and protection of green spaces per legislative intent.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 19, 2026

S 4071: Includes stormwater in the definition of sewage for purposes of certain water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities

This bill amends multiple sections of New York's public authorities law to explicitly include "stormwater" in the legal definition of "sewage" for water, sewer, and water and sewer authorities. It adds a new definition stating "stormwater" means water runoff that exceeds soil absorption capacity during rain or melt events. The change directly affects these public authorities by expanding their regulatory scope to cover stormwater under existing sewage-related rules. The bill does not create new programs or funding but clarifies how stormwater is legally treated in water management frameworks. (164 words)

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExpands sewage regulations to cover stormwater runoff, enhancing pollution control for waterways under existing authority85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 6931: Directs state agencies to adopt a waste diversion plan

This bill requires New York state agencies (including SUNY, CUNY, and other entities overseen by the governor) to create waste diversion plans aimed at reducing landfill waste. Agencies must achieve a 10% annual reduction in waste disposal every five years, targeting a 75% overall decrease from 2018-2019 levels by 2033. Plans must detail strategies for diverting recyclables, compostables, and organics from landfills, eliminating single-use plastics where safe, and implementing dual-stream recycling where feasible. The GreenNY Council will oversee implementation and review plans, which must be publicly posted online.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 75% landfill waste reduction by 2033 via diversion plans, targeting pollution control and conservation through recyclables/compostables and single-use plastic elimination.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 18, 2026

S 1067: Establishes the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program and the New York state park adopt-a-trail stewardship program fund

This bill establishes a program allowing individuals and nonprofit groups (like parks' friends organizations) to partner with New York State Parks to maintain and enhance designated trails. Participants sign agreements to preserve trails' natural, cultural, and historical features through activities such as litter removal, trail repairs, and installing benches or interpretive signs. The program includes specific rules for sponsor signage (circular, ≤5 inches, sponsor name ≤25% of sign) and creates a dedicated fund to support these stewardship efforts. It ensures no current park workers lose jobs or benefits due to the program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill enables community trail maintenance through litter removal and preservation of natural features, directly advancing environmental conservation and protection efforts.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 4033: Relates to the disposition of certain fines and penalties

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects environmental fines to dedicated conservation enforcement account, ensuring funds directly support environmental programs rather than general budget, promoting fiscal responsibility.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRedirects environmental violation fines to dedicated conservation enforcement fund, ensuring resources directly support environmental law enforcement per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 14, 2026

S 2484: Directs the state energy planning board to conduct a study on time frames for preparing renewable energy facilities for clean energy storage and distribution

Directs the state energy planning board to conduct a study on time frames for replacing or upgrading battery energy storage systems at renewable energy facilities in preparation for clean energy storage and distribution across the state.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyDirects study on renewable energy storage upgrades, advancing clean energy infrastructure preparation and distribution readiness.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects study on renewable energy storage infrastructure for clean energy distribution, advancing environmental protection through clean energy promotion and grid modernization.92% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 2476: Requires the chair of the public service commission create rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the creation of a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program

Requires the chair of the public service commission create rules, regulations, policies, and procedures for the creation of a resilient electric vehicle charging system pilot program to provide power through an extended outage.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyCreates EV charging infrastructure pilot program, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and clean transportation infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates EV charging infrastructure, supporting clean energy adoption and reduced transportation emissions80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes sustainable transportation infrastructure by establishing EV charging pilot program for resilience during outages, aligning with transportation policy goals.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 13, 2026

S 8272: Includes Hague Brook in the list of inland waterways eligible for the local waterfront revitalization 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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds Hague Brook to waterfront program enabling erosion control and park projects, directly supporting waterway conservation and environmental protection.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed both · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 1984: Directs the commissioner to publicly publish an annual report on the environmental radiation surveillance program

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates annual radiation surveillance reports and notification if EPA standards exceeded, ensuring compliance with environmental protection standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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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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