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 absent

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passed · New York · Senate May 12, 2026

S 2493: Relates to the community air monitoring program

Requires that an assessment of the role that permit approvals for air contamination sources plays in contributing to stationary and mobile sources of air pollution be included in an addendum to the strategies for the development of community emission reduction programs; requires disclosure of last mile warehouse permits.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires assessment of permit impacts on air pollution and disclosure of warehouse permits to inform community emission reduction strategies, enhancing environmental transparency and accountability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 4691: Prohibits the sale and distribution of certain mercury-added lamps

Prohibits the sale and distribution of compact fluorescent mercury-added lamps and linear fluorescent mercury-added lamps on and after January 1, 2029; provides exceptions; allows for sale of otherwise prohibited lamps from existing stock acquired prior to such date.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits mercury-added lamps, reducing environmental pollution from mercury emissions, a key pollution control measure in environmental protection.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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in committee · New York · Senate May 7, 2026

S 9478: Prohibits incentives for the siting or operation of commercial renewable energy systems in sensitive environmental areas

This bill prohibits government incentives for commercial renewable energy projects like solar farms in sensitive environmental areas and on active farmland, with specific exceptions for agrivoltaic systems that combine solar power with agriculture. It removes eligibility for financial assistance, zero emission credits, and tax exemptions for such projects located in critical environmental areas, bird conservation zones, grassland bird centers, and wildlife management areas. The legislation also formally defines agrivoltaics as solar systems that simultaneously produce energy and agricultural products without displacing farming activities, while excluding certain practices like sole reliance on pollinator habitats or sheep grazing. These changes directly affect developers proposing renewable energy projects and government agencies administering agricultural and environmental programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill removes financial assistance, zero emission credits, and tax exemptions for renewable energy projects, restricting government spending incentives and limiting fiscal support for clean energy initiatives.85% confidence ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill prohibits incentives for renewable energy systems in sensitive areas, restricting development and limiting financial support for clean energy projects.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill restricts renewable energy projects in sensitive areas by removing financial incentives, which limits clean energy deployment and environmental protection efforts.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 5014: Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products

Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans importation/possession of African wildlife trophies to protect endangered species, directly advancing conservation goals per environmental topic definition.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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died · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 1343: Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"

Establishes the "clean fuel standard of 2026"; provides such standard is intended to reduce greenhouse gas intensity from the on-road transportation sector, with further reductions to be implemented based upon advances in technology.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes clean fuel standard to reduce greenhouse gas intensity in transportation, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes clean fuel standard to reduce transportation GHG emissions, directly advancing climate goals per its summary.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill establishes clean fuel standard targeting on-road transportation emissions reduction, directly advancing sustainable transportation policies per summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed both · New York · Assembly May 4, 2026

A 1388: Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

This bill amends New York's environmental conservation law to define "coal tar" for pavement products. It specifies that coal tar is a thick liquid from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The definition explicitly includes certain residues like ethylene or steam cracked residues. This change directly affects manufacturers and suppliers of pavement materials using coal tar, as it sets a clear regulatory threshold for PAH levels. The bill was advanced to third reading in April 2025 but was later substituted by S3179.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill defines coal tar with PAH threshold (1,000mg/kg) to restrict high-pollution pavement products, strengthening environmental regulations on pollution control.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 3179: Relates to the definition of coal tar and its use in pavement products

This bill clarifies the legal definition of "coal tar" used in pavement products under environmental law. It specifies that coal tar includes any thick, black substance derived from coal distillation containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) above 1,000 milligrams per kilogram. The change directly affects pavement manufacturers and environmental regulators by establishing a clear standard for measuring PAH levels in products, ensuring consistency with existing environmental rules. The bill does not create new restrictions but refines how coal tar is identified for regulatory enforcement.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentClarifies PAH definition in pavement products to ensure consistency with environmental regulations, reinforcing pollution control standards for coal tar derivatives containing PAHs.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · New York · Senate May 4, 2026

S 4030: Relates to emissions of toxic air contaminants

Bill S 4030 directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish ambient air quality standards for specific toxic air contaminants, such as benzene and mercury, by December 31, 2027. These standards must be based on scientific data regarding potential adverse human health effects. The bill requires that starting in 2028, these toxic air contaminants be incorporated into permits for "major sources" - large stationary air contamination sources. Additionally, the department must establish regulations by December 31, 2027, for fenceline monitoring by major sources, especially considering their proximity to disadvantaged communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates stricter air quality standards for toxic contaminants, requiring permits to incorporate health-based limits by 2028, strengthening pollution control.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Apr 28, 2026

S 9311: Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects study of ecological restoration and imposes moratorium on sediment/fill in Jamaica Bay, protecting habitat and preventing degradation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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