Environment (Conservation)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 5441: Directs the department of environmental conservation to undertake a review of the regulations governing the permitting of landfills and transfer stations

Directs the department of environmental conservation to undertake a review of the regulations governing the permitting of landfills and transfer stations to ensure that such regulations integrate the latest scientific information.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill directs review of landfill regulations to integrate latest science, strengthening environmental oversight and regulatory standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Waste Management

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 3, 2026

S 8399: Relates to the creation of an ATV recreation fund and the use of ATVs

This bill creates an ATV Recreation Fund managed by the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation to support a statewide network of ATV trails. It requires ATV registration and insurance for use on public lands, with fees deposited into the fund. The fund allocates 45% of its money to motorized access programs for people with disabilities and 45% to enforcement and public education about ATV rules. It also establishes regulations to balance ATV recreation with environmental protection and safety on designated trails. The bill directly affects ATV users operating on public lands, trail managers, and people seeking accessible recreation opportunities.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated ATV registration/insurance fund allocating 45% each to disability access programs and enforcement, directly funding specific public services through user fees.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly establishes regulations to balance ATV recreation with environmental protection, indicating protective intent through managed access and enforcement.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill creates ATV trail infrastructure fund with registration/insurance requirements, directly funding vehicle access infrastructure and regulating ATV use per transportation topic.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Public Lands

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in committee · New York · Senate Apr 22, 2026

S 6392: Relates to composting facilities in state parks

Authorizes the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to permit composting facilities at state parks when such facility does not harm the natural environment or integrity of the park and provided that such facilities shall comply with codes, rules and regulations relating to composting facilities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill authorizes composting facilities only if they don't harm park environments, directly protecting natural integrity per summary.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 2187: Provides for a state workforce fuel reduction and conservation program which will develop and assist in implementing strategies to reduce fuel consumption

Provides for a state workforce fuel reduction and conservation program which will develop and assist in implementing strategies to reduce fuel consumption by the state's motor vehicle fleet and to reduce solo trips between work and home by state employees; requires reporting to the governor and legislature.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates state fleet fuel reduction and promotes carpooling to lower energy consumption, directly advancing conservation and reducing fossil fuel dependence.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill reduces state vehicle fuel consumption and solo commutes, directly lowering emissions and conserving resources per its stated purpose.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates fuel reduction strategies for state fleet and reduces solo commutes, promoting sustainable transportation practices per its title and summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Electric Vehicles

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2026

S 1463: Establishes extended producer responsibility for mattresses

This bill creates a new program requiring mattress manufacturers and importers to manage the disposal of used mattresses sold in the state. To comply, producers must submit a plan to the Department of Environmental Conservation that outlines how they will collect discarded mattresses, transport them to designated sites, and recycle or reuse the materials. The legislation sets specific goals for making collection sites accessible to most residents within a few years and defines recycling as separating materials for new products, while excluding burning or landfilling. Retailers are also assigned responsibilities under the law, and the bill establishes an advisory board to oversee the program's implementation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates mattress recycling, reducing landfill waste and conserving resources, directly aligning with environmental protection and pollution control goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 536: Relates to a regional plan for Long Island glass recycling

Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop a regional plan for Long Island glass recycling in coordination with Alfred university and Long Island municipalities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentDirects development of glass recycling plan, conserving resources and reducing landfill waste, aligning with environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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signed · New York · Assembly Jul 29, 2025

A 8487: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage American shad

This bill extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) existing authority to manage American shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It amends a specific section of environmental law to change the expiration date from 2025 to 2028, ensuring the DEC can continue its current management practices without needing new legislation. The extension directly affects the DEC's regulatory role for American shad populations in state waters. The bill passed both legislative chambers in June 2025 and was signed into law in July 2025.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends DEC authority to manage American shad, a conservation effort for natural resources under environmental law, maintaining current management practices without weakening protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4988: Relates to a smart irrigation device rebate pilot program in Nassau and Suffolk counties

Creates a smart irrigation device rebate pilot program in Nassau and Suffolk counties to provide rebates for devices used for the irrigation of stormwater and the monitoring of local weather data to automatically alter irrigation schedules based on such data in order to manage water use and improve conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates rebate program for smart irrigation devices to manage water use and improve conservation, directly aligning with environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

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passed · New York · Senate Feb 25, 2026

S 659: Relates to the general civil penalty of the environmental conservation law

Relates to the general civil penalty of the environmental conservation law; provides that in addition to the fines, such person may be enjoined from continuing such violation and any permit or certificate issued to such person may be revoked or suspended, or a pending renewal application may be denied.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStrengthens environmental enforcement by adding injunctions and permit revocation for violations under conservation law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6228: Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to conduct a study on food waste initiatives and to provide recommendations based on the study's findings

Authorizes and directs the commissioner of environmental conservation to conduct a study on food waste initiatives and to provide recommendations based on the study's findings.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAuthorizes study on food waste initiatives, a key environmental conservation strategy to reduce landfill waste and emissions, directly advancing environmental protection goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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