Environment

in committee · New York · Senate Apr 13, 2026

S 9884: Authorizes the city of New York to provide for a residential parking permit system

This bill authorizes the City of New York to create a residential parking permit system in specific neighborhoods of Brooklyn to address traffic hazards, congestion, and pollution. Under the new rules, residents in designated areas would need to purchase permits to park on local streets, while commercial zones, metered spaces, and vehicles registered under specific programs would remain exempt. The legislation mandates that at least 20% of parking spots stay open for non-residents with short-term access and requires all permit fees to be collected and transferred to the city's mass transit agency. A public hearing must be held before any local ordinance is adopted, and the authority to implement this system is set to expire on December 1, 2030.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to reduce pollution and traffic congestion, which are environmental benefits.75% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill aims to reduce traffic hazards, congestion, and pollution by regulating parking, enhancing overall transportation safety and efficiency.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Parks & Recreation Public Transit

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 11347: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage scup

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage scup fishing until December 31, 2029. It allows the department to set rules for this fishery, such as size limits, seasonal closures, and gear restrictions, provided these rules are not stricter than current laws and align with federal and regional fishery plans. The changes apply directly to fishermen and businesses involved in the scup fishery. The act takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill strengthens environmental conservation by extending authority to manage scup fishing, allowing for resource protection rules like size limits and seasonal closures.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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in committee · New York · Senate May 5, 2026

S 10211: Establishes a deposit and recycling program for wine containers and liquor containers

Establishes a deposit and recycling program for wine containers and liquor containers with 5 cent deposits for containers less than 24 oz and 10 cent deposits for containers over 24 oz; provides for labeling of such containers; makes related provisions.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes a deposit and recycling program for containers, directly promoting waste reduction and conservation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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passed · New York · Senate Jun 1, 2026

S 10168: Enacts the "extended producer responsibility for artificial turf act of 2026"

This bill establishes an extended producer responsibility program for artificial turf in New York, requiring manufacturers and importers to manage the collection and disposal of their products. Under the new rules, producers must submit a plan to the state department by December 2025 to set up a system where they finance the collection, transportation, and recycling or reuse of discarded turf. The legislation defines artificial turf broadly to include shock attenuation layers and infill, ensuring that companies selling branded products or importing turf without a U.S. presence are held accountable. Consumers, including individuals and businesses, will be able to return used turf to designated collection sites, which must accept all types of the product regardless of brand. The bill also clarifies that recycling does not include burning waste for energy or sending it to landfills, focusing instead on material recovery and reuse.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill mandates producer responsibility for artificial turf disposal and recycling, directly reducing waste and pollution while conserving resources.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Senate May 15, 2026

S 10507: Enacts the New York State Parking Modernization and Housing Affordability Act

This bill, known as the New York State Parking Modernization and Housing Affordability Act, restricts local governments from mandating minimum off-street parking for new residential and commercial developments located near transit hubs. Specifically, it prohibits cities, towns, and villages from requiring parking spaces for projects within half a mile of subway, rail, ferry stations, or frequent bus stops, with the goal of lowering housing costs and supporting climate goals. While the law generally bans these mandates, it allows municipalities to require limited parking if they prove a shortage through a study, hold public hearings, and ensure the rules do not apply to affordable housing or small buildings. The state Department of Transportation will create maps to identify these transit-accessible areas, and the legislation includes protections for accessible parking and existing safety regulations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill explicitly aims to support climate goals by reducing car dependency near transit hubs, thereby lowering emissions.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill removes parking mandates near transit to lower housing costs and increase affordability.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill removes parking mandates near transit hubs to lower housing costs and support climate goals, promoting sustainable transportation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Zoning Public Transit Rail

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passed · New York · Assembly Apr 22, 2026

K 1195: Commemorating the 56th Anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026

This bill is a resolution that formally recognizes the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, in New York State. It does not create new laws or change any policies but instead expresses the legislature's appreciation for environmental efforts and encourages residents, businesses, and institutions to participate in sustainability initiatives. The resolution calls for a moment of pause during legislative proceedings to honor the day and acknowledges the importance of protecting natural resources for future generations.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill recognizes Earth Day and encourages sustainability initiatives, showing positive intent toward environmental protection without creating new laws.60% confidence

Track

in committee · New York · Assembly May 22, 2026

A 11477: 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 wildlife, directly supporting environmental conservation.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates identification of wildlife crossing sites to enhance road safety and improve infrastructure connectivity.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

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passed both · New York · Assembly Jun 4, 2026

A 11392: Extends provisions relating to the establishment of the mercury thermostat collection act

This bill extends the deadline for the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act to January 1, 2028. It directly affects the program responsible for collecting and recycling mercury-containing thermostats, ensuring the initiative continues for an additional year. The key provision simply amends the existing law to update the expiration date, allowing the collection efforts to proceed without interruption. This change is procedural in nature, as it only adjusts the timeline of an already established environmental program.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act to ensure continued recycling of hazardous materials, directly supporting pollution control and environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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in committee · New York · Assembly May 28, 2026

A 11352: 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 legislation amends existing environmental laws to update the expiration date for these management powers, which were previously set to end in 2026. By substituting the original text with a new date, the bill ensures continued government oversight of this species for an additional three years. This change directly impacts the department's ability to implement regulations and conservation efforts for the American eel during the extended period.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends authority to manage and conserve a natural species, strengthening environmental protection efforts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

Track

signed · New York · Senate Aug 14, 2026

S 10047: Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon

This bill extends the Department of Environmental Conservation's authority to manage Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon until December 31, 2029. The change directly affects these two specific fish species by ensuring continued state oversight of their populations. The legislation amends existing environmental laws to update the expiration date for the department's management powers. It takes effect immediately upon passage without altering other parts of the conservation law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill extends state authority to manage and conserve endangered sturgeon species, directly strengthening environmental protection and natural resource conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation