Environment

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.