Environment (Conservation)

died · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6581: Excludes amphibians and reptiles from the definition of small game; repealer

This bill updates environmental conservation law regarding amphibians and reptiles. It redefines "small game" to exclude most native frogs (except bullfrogs), native salamanders, native lizards, and native snakes (except common snapping turtles). These species are instead added to the definition of "protected wildlife," subjecting them to different conservation measures. The bill also clarifies that only bullfrogs and common snapping turtles remain under specific regulations for taking, with the department determining the methods for bullfrogs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReclassifies amphibians/reptiles to protected wildlife, strengthening conservation measures instead of allowing hunting under small game rules.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 23, 2025

S 3041: Provides for the regulation by the department of environmental conservation of business transaction paper containing bisphenol A

S 3041 prohibits the use of paper containing bisphenol A (BPA) for business transactions like receipts, bank records, and credit/debit card slips in New York. It bans businesses from distributing or using such paper and requires paper manufacturers to switch to the least toxic alternative without replacing BPA with other harmful chemicals (e.g., known carcinogens or endocrine disruptors). The New York Department of Environmental Conservation must certify these alternatives as safe and update annual safety guidelines for manufacturers. The bill directly affects all New York businesses handling transaction paper and paper manufacturers supplying this paper.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans BPA in business paper, mandates safer alternatives, and requires DEP certification to reduce toxic exposure and protect environment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1585: Requires the office of parks, recreation and historic preservation to prohibit the sale of single use plastic and polystyrene foam in state parks

This bill requires New York's state parks to ban the sale of single-use plastic items and polystyrene foam containers (like takeout containers and cups) within park facilities. The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation must implement this prohibition, directly affecting park visitors who purchase these items and vendors operating within state parks. The law adds a specific provision to the parks code, taking effect 180 days after enactment. It focuses on reducing plastic waste at state park locations without specifying enforcement details or environmental outcomes.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans single-use plastics and polystyrene foam in state parks to reduce plastic waste and pollution, directly protecting the environment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Parks & Recreation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 4059: Requires all public buildings and all parks, recreation and historic preservation sites have bins for recyclable and compostable materials

This bill requires all public buildings and state parks, recreation sites, and historic preservation areas to install separate bins for recyclable materials (like paper, plastic, glass, and metal) and compostable materials (such as food scraps and yard waste). It mandates these bins be placed alongside regular trash bins, with regular collection and proper processing of both materials. The law applies to all covered facilities, including government buildings and state-managed parks, and would take effect 120 days after enactment. This creates a standardized waste separation system to increase recycling and composting rates across public spaces.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates separate recycling/composting bins in public facilities, reducing landfill waste and promoting resource conservation per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling Waste Management

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in committee · New York · Assembly Feb 3, 2025

A 1679: Extends provisions of law relating to expanding the food donation and food scraps recycling program

This bill extends the existing food donation and food scraps recycling program by adjusting the requirements for large food generators. It defines "designated food scraps generators" as businesses like supermarkets, colleges, hotels, and large restaurants that produce specific weekly waste volumes (starting at 2 tons/week through 2026, then decreasing to 0.5 tons/week after 2028). The key provision requires these entities to manage food scraps recycling through established programs, with the timeline for implementation shifted to take effect January 1, 2027. The bill directly affects large food service operations and institutions generating significant food waste, aiming to expand recycling efforts under the environmental conservation law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates food scraps recycling for large generators, reducing landfill waste and methane emissions, directly supporting environmental conservation and pollution control.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate Jun 4, 2025

S 7774: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage hickory shad

This bill extends the New York Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage hickory shad (a fish species) until December 31, 2028. It amends Section 13-0339-a of the Environmental Conservation Law to update the expiration date of this management authority from 2025 to 2028. The change directly affects the DEC's regulatory powers over hickory shad populations and their habitat. The bill does not alter management practices but prolongs the existing legal framework for conservation efforts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends DEC's authority to manage hickory shad conservation until 2028, maintaining regulatory framework for species protection and habitat conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7171: Provides for the development of an environmental health tracking system within the department of health with cooperation from certain other agencies

Provides for the development of an environmental health tracking system within the department of health with cooperation from the departments of environmental conservation and labor; provides that the purpose is to gather various environmental data to correlate with disease data; requires the cooperation of the state university of New York schools of public health at Albany and Buffalo.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates environmental health tracking system to correlate environmental data with disease, enabling better environmental health monitoring and policy decisions.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes environmental health tracking system within health department to correlate environmental data with disease data, supporting public health initiatives through data-driven disease prevention.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Health

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in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 7574: Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma; appropriation

Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly includes 'appropriation' for a tree planting program, directly funding a specific government initiative within budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates tree planting in high-asthma areas to improve air quality, directly reducing pollution and aligning with environmental protection goals.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 8998: 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 ✓ EnergySupports EnergyIncentivizes retiring older diesel vehicles for newer models meeting emission standards, reducing fossil fuel dependence and promoting cleaner transportation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentReplaces high-emission diesel vehicles (pre-2010) with newer models meeting 2024 emission standards, directly reducing pollution and advancing clean air goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 1619: Eliminates the MTA's exemption from environmental quality review standards established by article 8 of the environmental conservation law

This bill eliminates the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's (MTA) exemption from environmental review requirements under Article 8 of the Environmental Conservation Law. It directly affects the MTA by requiring all new transportation projects it plans, builds, or modifies to undergo standard environmental reviews. The key change removes specific language in the Public Authorities Law that previously exempted MTA activities from these reviews. As a result, MTA projects must now comply with the same environmental impact assessment standards as other entities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRemoves MTA exemption from environmental reviews, requiring compliance with conservation law standards to assess project impacts. Strengthens regulatory oversight for transportation projects.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires environmental reviews for MTA projects, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure by ensuring compliance with environmental standards.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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