Environment (Conservation)

in committee · New York · Senate May 21, 2026

S 10557: Relates to land owned by not-for-profit conservation organizations

Prohibits any lands owned by a not-for-profit conservation organization from being taken by adverse possession; creates a cause of action by which not-for-profit conservation organizations and public bodies may compel the removal of encroachments on open space lands, or lands subject to a conservation easement, and recover restoration costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and multiple damages as appropriate, thereby shifting the cost burden of enforcing encroachments to the responsible party and discouraging further harm to open space managed for the public's benefit.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill protects open space and conservation lands from adverse possession and encroachments, directly strengthening environmental conservation efforts.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

signed · New York · Assembly Aug 14, 2026

A 11381: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage sharks

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to regulate sharks until December 31, 2029. It allows the department to set rules such as size limits, catch restrictions, closed seasons, and gear requirements for shark fishing. These regulations must be at least as strict as current laws and must align with existing plans from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and federal management acts. The changes take effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental conservation by extending regulatory authority to protect shark populations and natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10395: Creates a public education program concerning water use reduction; expands the water conservation manual and requires smart controllers for automatic irrigation systems

Creates a public education program concerning water use reduction for communities which rely on groundwater for water supply; expands the water conservation manual; requires smart controllers for automatic irrigation systems.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates smart irrigation controllers and public education to reduce water use, directly conserving natural resources and protecting groundwater supplies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 15, 2026

A 11418: Relates to land owned by not-for-profit conservation organizations

Prohibits any lands owned by a not-for-profit conservation organization from being taken by adverse possession; creates a cause of action by which not-for-profit conservation organizations and public bodies may compel the removal of encroachments on open space lands, or lands subject to a conservation easement, and recover restoration costs, reasonable attorney's fees, and multiple damages as appropriate, thereby shifting the cost burden of enforcing encroachments to the responsible party and discouraging further harm to open space managed for the public's benefit.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill protects conservation lands from adverse possession and empowers removal of encroachments, directly strengthening environmental preservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 8, 2026

S 9856: Imposes corporate fines for violations of certain provisions of law

This bill amends New York's environmental conservation laws to establish significantly higher monetary fines for corporations that violate specific environmental regulations. It directly affects businesses by increasing the maximum penalties for criminal convictions and civil penalties related to hazardous waste and air pollution violations. Under the new rules, corporate fines for serious offenses can reach up to three million dollars, which is ten times the previous limit for individuals, and civil daily penalties for ongoing violations are also substantially raised. The legislation ensures that corporate punishments remain proportional to the severity of the crime and the potential financial gain from the violation.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental protections by imposing significantly higher fines for corporate violations of hazardous waste and air pollution regulations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Air Quality Conservation Hazardous Materials

Track

signed · New York · Senate Aug 14, 2026

S 10046: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage the American eel

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage the American eel until December 31, 2029. The change updates the expiration date in the Environmental Conservation Law to ensure the department can continue its oversight of this species for several more years. Once passed, the law takes effect immediately without requiring further administrative steps.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends DEC authority to manage American eel, strengthening conservation of natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

signed · New York · Senate Aug 14, 2026

S 10072: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage winter flounder

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage winter flounder fisheries until December 31, 2029. It allows the department to set and update regulations regarding fishing seasons, catch limits, gear restrictions, and permit requirements for this specific fish species. These rules must remain consistent with existing state laws and federal fishery management plans. The legislation applies directly to commercial and recreational fishermen targeting winter flounder in the state's waters.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends authority to manage winter flounder fisheries, enabling conservation of natural resources and sustainable fishing practices.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10404: Directs the department of transportation and the New York state thruway authority to identify sites along all highways, thruways and parkways in the state for wildlife crossings

Enacts the "New York wildlife crossing act"; directs the department of transportation and the New York state thruway authority, in consultation with the department of environmental conservation and the department of motor vehicles, to identify sites along all highways, thruways and parkways in the state where wildlife crossings are most needed to increase public safety and improve habitat connectivity and create a priority list of wildlife opportunity areas where federal grant monies may be available to implement the top five projects identified.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates identification of wildlife crossings to improve habitat connectivity and protect biodiversity, directly supporting environmental conservation.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates identifying sites for wildlife crossings to enhance public safety and improve habitat connectivity on highways.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 11353: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon

This bill extends the authority of the Department of Environmental Conservation to manage Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon until December 31, 2029. The change allows state officials to continue regulating these specific fish species, which are important to the local ecosystem. By updating the expiration date in the Environmental Conservation Law, the legislation ensures ongoing oversight without altering the core management rules. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends authority to manage sturgeon, a key species for ecosystem conservation, ensuring ongoing protection and regulation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 11361: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation regarding the management of fluke-summer flounder

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage fluke and summer flounder fisheries until December 31, 2029. It allows the department to set and adjust regulations such as size limits, catch quotas, closed seasons, and gear requirements for these fish species. The new rules must remain consistent with existing state laws and federal fishery management plans to ensure compliance. The legislation takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental conservation by extending authority to manage and regulate fluke and summer flounder fisheries, protecting natural resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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