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

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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 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

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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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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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signed · New York · Senate Mar 27, 2026

S 8836: Relates to certain leases for the exploration, development, and production of gas or oil in state forests, reforestation areas and wildlife management areas

Provides that the assignment, transfer, or modification of leases for exploration, development, and production of gas or oil in state forests, reforestation areas and wildlife management areas shall not allow expansion or extension of such provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentProhibits expanding oil/gas leases in state forests and wildlife areas, protecting these conservation zones from potential environmental harm.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

passed · New York · Senate Mar 25, 2026

S 7677: Permits the town of Warwick to use preservation funds for water quality improvement

This bill allows the town of Warwick to use up to 10% of its existing community preservation fund for water quality improvement projects, such as cleaning rivers or protecting drinking water sources. Previously, these funds could only be used for preserving community character (e.g., land conservation). The change explicitly adds water quality projects to the fund's permitted uses while maintaining the 10% spending limit. It does not create new funding but reallocates existing resources for environmental protection.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly permits use of preservation funds for water quality projects (river cleaning, drinking water protection), directly advancing environmental protection by reallocating existing resources toward conservation goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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passed · New York · Senate Mar 23, 2026

S 2482: Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy systems

Enacts the "go green schools act" to assist school districts in converting to renewable energy sources as a primary source of energy; directs NYSERDA to conduct a study and make recommendations for such purpose.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill improves school infrastructure by funding renewable energy conversion, aligning with 'enhances school infrastructure' indicator for education support.85% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates school districts to convert to renewable energy systems as primary source, directs NYSERDA study for recommendations, directly promoting renewable energy adoption in public infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates renewable energy conversion for schools via NYSERDA study, directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per environmental indicators.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Environment

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