Environment

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

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4239: Creates a sustainable development task force to study the feasibility of adopting a regulatory system to achieve the goal of sustainable development

Creates a fifteen member sustainable development task force to study the feasibility of adopting a goal oriented and performance based regulatory system to achieve the goal of sustainable development in the state; sets forth certain goals and makes provision for organization of the task force.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates task force to study regulatory system for sustainable development, aligning with environmental protection goals85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 3975: Establishes an economy-wide cap and invest program to support greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the state by setting a maximum allowable amount of emissions and regulating the sale or auction of allowances

Establishes an economy-wide cap and invest program to support greenhouse gas emissions reductions in the state by setting a maximum allowable amount of greenhouse gas emissions by covered entities and regulating the sale or auction of greenhouse gas emissions allowances to covered entities.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill establishes cap-and-trade program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, directly incentivizing renewable energy adoption and reducing fossil fuel dependence through emissions limits and allowance markets.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes emissions cap and allowance auctions to reduce greenhouse gases, directly advancing climate protection and pollution control per its explicit language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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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

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 1260: Limits tinted green and brown to compostable plastic bags for the purposes of bag waste reduction

This bill (S 1260) requires that exempt bags - such as those used for food, pharmacy items, or bulk produce - cannot be tinted green or brown unless they are made of compostable plastic. It amends existing exemptions in environmental law to add this color restriction, ensuring only truly compostable bags can use these colors. The rule applies directly to businesses selling or using these specific bag types under current waste reduction exemptions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRestricts non-compostable plastic bags to promote waste reduction and compostable alternatives, strengthening environmental regulations on bag disposal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Mar 10, 2026

S 6879: Establishes the New York youth climate corps

Establishes the New York youth climate corps to support and grow climate-related service opportunities for young adults with the objective of building low-carbon and climate-resilient communities, ecosystems, and economies while providing education, workforce development, and career pathways to service members, with a focus on disadvantaged communities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes youth climate corps focused on low-carbon communities, climate resilience, and environmental workforce development, directly advancing climate action and environmental protection goals.95% confidence

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2178: Establishes a product stewardship program for primary batteries

This bill creates a program requiring producers of primary batteries (non-rechargeable batteries under 2kg, like AA, AAA, lithium, and button batteries) to cover the cost of recycling them. It directly affects battery manufacturers, importers, and brands selling in New York, mandating they register, submit recycling plans by 2026, and provide free consumer collection. Key provisions include setting minimum collection facility requirements (e.g., at least two per small county, three per medium county), banning retailers from refusing batteries by brand, and requiring annual reporting. Small producers with under $500 in annual sales are exempt. The program aims to manage battery waste through producer-funded recycling, not new consumer fees.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates producer-funded battery recycling to prevent landfill pollution and chemical leakage, directly reducing environmental harm from improper disposal.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8474: Establishes the small business environmental support office; repealer

This bill creates a Small Business Environmental Support Office within the state department to directly assist small businesses navigating environmental regulations. The office provides ombudsman services, gathers small business input on pollution prevention and compliance with environmental laws, helps resolve disputes with regulators, and connects businesses to financial assistance programs and pollution prevention resources. It requires the department to annually report to the governor and legislature on the number of small businesses served and regional distribution. The office specifically protects the confidentiality of information shared by small businesses seeking assistance.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates office to assist small businesses with environmental compliance, pollution prevention, and regulatory disputes, directly advancing environmental protection efforts through support services.92% confidence

Tags Small Business

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 72: Creates climate liability for fossil fuel related activity which caused or contributed to climate change

This bill creates a legal right for New Yorkers to sue fossil fuel companies for climate-related damages. It targets companies that emitted at least one billion metric tons of greenhouse gases between 1989 and the bill's effective date, excluding public utilities and government entities. The law establishes a "right of action" under New York's General Business Law, allowing individuals or communities to seek compensation for harms linked to fossil fuel activities. This provision directly affects fossil fuel producers and distributors meeting the emissions threshold, enabling lawsuits based on historical climate impact and industry deception.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill holds fossil fuel companies liable for climate damages, reducing fossil fuel dependence and advancing climate action through legal accountability.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates legal liability for fossil fuel companies to compensate climate-related damages, strengthening environmental accountability and regulatory enforcement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 2114: Prohibits the sale of gasoline powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers

Prohibits the sale of gasoline powered leaf blowers and lawn mowers in the state; requires the commissioner to promulgate rules to enact such prohibition by January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans gasoline-powered leaf blowers/lawn mowers, reducing emissions and air pollution from small engines, directly advancing environmental protection.95% confidence

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