Environment (Conservation)

signed · New York · Assembly Feb 13, 2026

A 9436: Relates to finding alternatives to the use of pesticides in the monarch preservation plan

Relates to finding alternatives to the use of pesticides in the monarch preservation plan and allowing agricultural lands that are not in active production be used to enhance the monarch butterfly habitat.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill seeks pesticide alternatives to protect monarch habitat, reducing chemical use and enhancing conservation efforts per its title and summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 16, 2026

S 8670: Enacts the "dollars for diesels act" relating to financial incentives for the retirement of certain heavy- and medium-duty diesel-powered vehicles

Enacts the "dollars for diesels act"; directs the commissioner of environmental conservation, in consultation with the New York state energy research and development authority, to establish and administer a program to provide financial incentives to owners of heavy- and medium-duty diesel-powered vehicles of a model year two thousand ten or older to retire and replace such vehicles with new heavy- or medium-duty diesel-powered vehicles of model year two thousand twenty-four or newer that meet or exceed applicable emission standards.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyBill incentivizes replacing older diesel vehicles with newer diesel models, favoring fossil fuel use over renewable alternatives.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentIncentivizes retirement of high-emission older diesel vehicles (post-2010) for newer models (post-2024), directly reducing air pollution from heavy-duty transport.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 9323: Relates to certain mined land-plans

This bill requires mining operations on Long Island to maintain a minimum 10-foot buffer of undisturbed ground between active mining areas and the existing water table. It directly affects mining companies seeking permits in Nassau or Suffolk counties (populations over 1 million) that rely on aquifers for drinking water. The law amends environmental conservation law to mandate this buffer in all mining plans, ensuring mining activities don't threaten local water sources. This is a specific, enforceable requirement for new permits or renewals in designated aquifer areas.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates 10-foot buffer to protect aquifers from mining, directly preventing water source contamination per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Drinking Water

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jun 5, 2026

A 9408: Adds Salmon Creek in Monroe County to the definition of inland waterways

This bill amends New York State law to add Salmon Creek in Monroe County to the official list of inland waterways eligible for waterfront revitalization programs. It directly affects Salmon Creek by including it in the legal definition used for state conservation and development initiatives. The key mechanism is a technical update to Section 911 of the Executive Law, expanding the existing list of designated waterways. This change enables state resources and planning efforts focused on waterfront revitalization to now apply to Salmon Creek. The bill does not create new programs but extends existing eligibility to this specific waterway.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill adds Salmon Creek to eligible waterways for state conservation programs, enabling environmental protection and revitalization efforts under existing law.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed · New York · Senate May 28, 2026

S 8512: Relates to portable solar generation devices

S 8512 (the "Solar UP Now NY Act") defines "portable solar generation devices" as moveable photovoltaic systems under 1,200 watts that connect via standard outlets to offset household electricity use. It exempts these devices from utility interconnection rules and net metering requirements, meaning customers don’t need utility approval, pay fees for grid feedback, or install extra equipment. The bill directly affects residential and small commercial users who want to use simple portable solar units without regulatory hurdles. Utilities cannot be held liable for damage from these devices, and the law takes effect immediately.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts portable solar devices from utility rules, reducing barriers for residential renewable energy adoption and aligning with clean energy promotion.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts portable solar devices from utility rules, lowering barriers to residential clean energy adoption and promoting renewable energy use90% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Efficiency Solar Transmission Conservation

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signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8281: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage blackfish

This bill (A 8281) extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage blackfish (a type of fish) until December 31, 2028. It allows the department to set specific regulations for blackfish, including size limits, catch quotas, fishing seasons, and gear restrictions, as long as these rules are at least as strict as existing state and federal fishery management plans. The bill directly affects commercial and recreational fishermen who target blackfish in New York waters by maintaining the regulatory framework for their management. This is a procedural extension of existing authority, not a new policy change.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates strict fishery regulations (size limits, quotas) at least as stringent as existing plans, directly advancing conservation of blackfish population under environmental management.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Senate May 11, 2026

S 8499: Enacts the Legionnaires' disease prevention act

Requires the department of environmental conservation and the department of health, owners or operators of public water systems, and owners or operators of buildings to take actions to prevent and control waterborne pathogens including legionella from source-to-tap.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates actions to prevent waterborne pathogens (legionella) in water systems, a form of pollution control, involving environmental conservation department.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents Legionnaires' disease via public health measures, strengthening disease prevention programs under healthcare policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1901: Establishes programs to encourage the removal and replacement of single-wall steel home heating oil storage tanks which are leaking or otherwise pose a threat to the environment

Directs the department of environmental conservation and office of temporary and disability assistance to establish programs to encourage the removal and replacement of single-wall steel home heating oil storage tanks which are leaking or otherwise pose a threat to the environment.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates programs to remove leaking oil tanks threatening environment, directly reducing pollution and protecting natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6181: Enacts the senior environmental corps act

Enacts the senior environmental corps act; establishes the senior environmental corps within the department of environmental conservation; establishes a mechanism for seniors to volunteer their services for environmental purposes; creates senior environmental corps coordinating council; makes provisions for volunteer agreements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes senior volunteer corps for environmental purposes under department of environmental conservation, advancing community-based conservation efforts without weakening protections.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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passed both · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 9111: Relates to portable solar generation devices

This bill defines "portable solar generation devices" (moveable solar panels connecting via standard outlets, max 1,200 watts, certified by labs) and exempts them from utility interconnection and net metering requirements. It directly affects residential customers using these small solar devices and electric utilities. Key provisions prevent utilities from requiring approval, charging fees, or demanding extra equipment for these devices, while also shielding utilities from liability for device-related damage. The law takes immediate effect.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExempts portable solar devices from utility fees/interconnection requirements, lowering barriers for residential renewable energy adoption.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExempts small solar devices from utility fees/requirements, promoting residential clean energy adoption and reducing barriers to renewable use.92% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExempts portable solar devices from utility fees/restrictions, promoting residential renewable energy technology adoption.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Energy Resilience Solar Transmission Conservation

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