Environment (Conservation)

in committee · New York · Senate Jan 7, 2026

S 4036: Specifies watershed protection improvement districts may work towards the preservation of development rights

This bill amends New York's town law to explicitly allow watershed protection improvement districts to pursue "preservation of development rights" as part of their work. It adds this provision to the list of activities districts may undertake, alongside existing projects like stormwater treatment and wetland construction. The change directly affects local watershed districts established under the law, giving them new authority to support land conservation efforts. The bill does not create new requirements but expands existing options for districts to protect water quality through land use strategies. This is a technical update to district powers, not a new policy mandate.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly authorizes watershed districts to pursue land conservation via 'preservation of development rights,' directly advancing environmental protection through natural resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Water Quality

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Feb 4, 2026

S 420: Relates to false claims about recyclability and plastic container labeling

Provides that it is deceptive to misrepresent that a product or package is recyclable unless it can be collected, separated or otherwise recovered from the waste stream through an established recycling program for reuse or use in manufacturing or assembling another item; requires the department of environmental conservation to develop regulations on types and forms of plastic products and packaging for which a claim of recyclability may be made; requires all rigid plastic containers sold in this state be labeled with a code that indicates the resin used to produce such container; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents deceptive recyclability claims, requiring accurate labeling to reduce plastic waste and promote proper recycling, aligning with pollution control and conservation goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Recycling

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Jun 11, 2025

S 7863: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage American eel

This bill (S 7863) extends the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's existing authority to manage American eel populations through December 31, 2026. It modifies the Environmental Conservation Law to update the expiration date of this management authority from 2025 to 2026. The bill directly affects the Department of Environmental Conservation, allowing it to continue its current regulatory activities related to American eel without needing new legislation. No new rules or programs are created - this is solely a one-year extension of current management powers.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExtends authority to manage American eel populations under Environmental Conservation Law, supporting species conservation and regulatory continuity without weakening protections.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly Jan 7, 2026

A 6359: Postpones the implementation and enforcement of the advanced clean trucks regulations

This bill delays the requirement for truck manufacturers to sell more zero-emission vehicles. It postpones enforcement of the Advanced Clean Trucks rules, which would have mandated increasing sales of zero-emission trucks for medium and heavy-duty vehicles starting before January 1, 2027. The bill sets the effective date for these requirements to January 1, 2027, instead of earlier. This directly affects manufacturers of medium and heavy-duty trucks by extending the timeline for compliance.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyDelays mandatory zero-emission truck sales, weakening clean energy standards by extending compliance timeline for Advanced Clean Trucks regulations.90% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill delays enforcement of Advanced Clean Trucks rules, extending timeline for zero-emission truck sales, weakening emissions regulations and allowing continued use of polluting vehicles.92% confidence ✗ TransportationOpposes TransportationDelays clean truck regulations, weakening zero-emission vehicle mandates for truck manufacturers under transportation infrastructure policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

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

Track

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

Track

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

Track