Legislation

Memos of Support and Opposition for 2025-2026 Legislative Sessions

  • Sierra Club Condemns Rollbacks of Climate Law and SEQRA In Fiscal Year 2027 NY State Budget

    • New York lawmakers and the public were given their first look at the Transportation and Economic Development (TED) section of NY’s $268.5 billion state budget, mere hours before voting, concluding a secretive and one-sided negotiation process that delayed the State’s fiscal plan by nearly two months. Among the dozens of Article VII bills within the TED are provisions that dramatically weaken New York’s landmark 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) and language to exempt most housing construction from the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). Both foundational environmental laws took years to enact, and were shaped by the input of tens of thousands of New Yorkers, significant case law, and deliberate, transparent legislative actions. Despite public outcry and initial resistance from the legislature, the governor used her significant leverage in negotiations to undermine both laws that she asserted could negatively contribute to future energy and housing affordability issues. 
    • Read our full statement here.

Water:

  • PFAS Surface Water Discharge Disclosure Act: S.4574-B (May)/A.5832-B (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Enacts the "PFAS discharge disclosure act"; requires certain SPDES permit holders to conduct PFAS monitoring and disclose the results from such monitoring.
    Currently: S.4574-B: PASSED Senate, Delivered to Assembly (02/24/2026); A.5832-B: Ordered to Third Reading Cal.144 (02/10/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Ban on Fracking Waste Water Road Spreading: S.2706-B (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.4725-B (Burdick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the use of drilling fluids and flowback water from wells, pools or fields on any highway for any purpose including but not limited to de-icing or dust suppression.
    Currently: S.2706-B: PASSED Senate (06/10/2025); A.4725-B: PASSED Assembly (06/05/2025); VETOED by Governor, Memo.66 (12/05/2025)
     
  • Potable Waters: S.2438 (Gianaris)/A.3098 (Burdick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires potable water testing at state and local parks at least once every three years and any finding of lead contamination must be abated within ninety days.
    Currently: S.2438: Reported and Committed to Senate Finance Committee (02/24/2026); A.3098: Referred to Assembly Health Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Addressing Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs): S.1833-A (May)/A.5150-A* (Kelles) (SUPPORT) *not currently same as
  • Summary: Enacts the "harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention act"; establishes the harmful algal bloom monitoring and prevention fund.
    Currently: S.1833-A: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.5150-A: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Ban on Pesticide Use in Wetlands: S.5983-A (Harckham)/A.6930 (Burdick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the application of pesticides to certain local freshwater wetlands for local governments that have implemented a freshwater wetlands protection law; provides that any local law or ordinance adopted pursuant to this section shall take effect on the first day of January after it shall have been adopted.
    Currently: S.5983-A: PASSED Senate (05/12/2025); A.6930: PASSED Assembly (06/09/2025); VETOED by Governor, Memo.92 (12/05/25)
    Support Memo
     
  • New York City Tax Abatements for Flood Mitigation Projects: A.806 (Carroll, R)/S.6353 (Comrie)  (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Provides tax abatements that would encourage residential property owners in New York City to undertake green infrastructure improvements to mitigate stormwater and groundwater flooding.
    Currently: A.806: Referred to Assembly Real Property Taxation Committee (01/07/2026); S.6353: Reported and Committed to Senate Finance Committee (02/03/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • NY Road Salt Reduction: S.6976-B (Harckham)/A.9681 (Cashman) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes the New York road salt reduction council and the New York road salt advisory committee
    Currently: S.6976-B: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Transportation Committee (02/03/2026); A.9681: Referred to Assembly Transportation Committee (01/21/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Water Utility Notification: S.6846-A (Comrie)/A.2431 (Braunstein) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Clarifies existing public service law to specify how water companies must make non-billing water information available to residents of cooperatives, condominiums and multifamily dwellings.
    Currently: S.6846-A: Committed to Rules Committee (06/13/2025); A.2431: Advanced to Third Reading Cal 35 (02/27/2025)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Washing Machine Microfiber Filter Act: A.4716-D (Kelles)/S.5605-D (Kavanagh) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires new washing machines sold to contain a microfiber filtration system that meets certain specifications.
    Currently: A.4716-D: Amended on Third Reading (02/04/2026); S.5605-D: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Consumer Protection Committee (03/12/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Maximum Contaminant Levels for PFAS: S.3207-B (Kavanagh)/A.8634-B (Lee) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes maximum contaminant levels in drinking water for certain Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
    Currently: S.3207-B: Amended on Third Reading (5/19/2026) A.8634-B: Reported and referred to Assembly Ways and Means Committee (5/19/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Unencapsulated Foam Flotation Structures: S.1129-B (May)/A.9047-B (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the sale of foam flotation docks, buoys and floating structures in the state where such foam is not fully encapsulated to prevent degradation into the environment
    Currently: S.1129-B: Amended on Third Reading (04/27/2026) A.9047-B: Amended on Third Reading (04/28/2026)
    Support Memo
     

Energy:

  • Fossil Fuel Facilities Replacement and Redevelopment Blueprint Act:  S.5111 (Parker) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Enacts the "just energy transition act"; requires a study of competitive options to facilitate the phase-out, replacement and redevelopment of New York state's oldest and most-polluting fossil fueled generation facilities and their sites by the year 2030.
    Currently: S.5111: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Zero Emissions Generating Facilities: a false solution: S.1549 (Parker) (OPPOSE)
  • Summary: An act to amend the public service law, in relation to establishing a program for eligible zero emissions energy systems.
    Currently: S.1549: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (01/07/2026)
  • More on Sierra Club's position on hydrogen: Green the Grid and Electrify Everything: Memo of Support on the Series of Bills (pdf)
    Opposition Memo
     
  • Undermining Climate Accounting: Changing Global Warming Potential from 20 year to 100 year timeframe: S.2471 (Parker) (OPPOSE)
  • Summary: An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the public service law, in relation to the state greenhouse gas emission accounting system.
    Currently: S.2471: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Healthy Homes Right to Know Act (Gas Stove Labeling Bill): S.1280-B (Krueger)/A.73-B (Solages) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the sale, attempt to sell, or offering for sale to a consumer in this state of a gas stove, beginning one year after this law takes effect, unless the stove displays certain labels and warnings; authorizes the department of state to adopt regulations regarding the placement and format of such labels; provides for penalties; authorizes the attorney general to enforce such provisions.
    Currently: S.1280-B: Reported and Committed to Senate Commerce, Economic Development and Small Business Committee (02/25/2026); S.73-B: Referred to Assembly Codes Committee (01/07/2026)
    One Page Fact Sheet (pdf)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Solar Tax Credits: S.2626 (Harckham)/A.1373-A (Walker) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Increases the amount of residential solar tax credits.
    Currently: S.2626: Referred to Senate Budget & Revenue Committee (01/07/2026); A.1373-A: Referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Geothermal Tax Credits: S.4882 (S.Ryan)/A.1591 (Rivera) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Increases the amount of geothermal energy systems tax credits.
    Currently: S.4882: Referred to Senate Budget and Revenue Committee (02/13/2025); A.1591: Referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act: S.9072-A (Harckham)/A.4282-A (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires certain business entities within the state to annually disclose scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 emissions; establishes the climate accountability and emissions disclosure fund.
    Currently: S.9072-A: PASSED Senate (02/10/2026); A.4282-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Codes Committee (02/10/2026)
     
  • Expiration of Air Quality Permits: S.6833-A (Harckham)/A.8553 (Wright) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to modifications, suspensions, revocations and renewals under the air quality control program; provides for expiration of any permit which has no expiration and has been in effect for five years; provides renewal periods shall not be longer than five years.
    Currently: S.6883-A: Advanced to Third Reading (04/27/2026); A.8553: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Excise Tax on Proof-of-Work Cryptocurrency Mining: S.8518 (Krueger)/A.9138 (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Imposes an excise tax on any taxpayer engaged in the trade or business of digital asset mining using proof-of-work authentication methods; provides that taxes, interest, and penalties collected or received from such taxes shall be used for prompt assistance to utility customers enrolled in energy affordability programs.
    Currently: S.8518: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (01/07/2026); A.9138: Referred to Assembly Ways and Means Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act: S.6570-A (Harckham)/A.8758-A (Barrett) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Sets a new target for distributed solar energy capacity and directs the PSC to reform the utility interconnection process to ensure timely & cost-effective integration; continues funding for NY-Sun program
    Currently: S.6570-A: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.8758-A: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (04/22/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Financial Responsibility for Liability of a Major Facility or Vessel: S.6831-A (Hinchey)/A.8666-A (Levenberg) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires the owner or operator of a major bulk petroleum storage facility or vessel that transports petroleum to show evidence of financial responsibility sufficient to meet the amount of liability.
    Currently: S.6831-A: Advanced to Third Reading (03/12/2026); A.8666-A: Advanced to Third Reading Cal.239 (01/22/2026)
     
  • Increase statewide energy storage capacity: S.2086-A (Kavanagh)/A.276-A (Barrett) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Increases the statewide energy storage capacity to 6 gigawatts by 2030, 12 GW by 2040 and 17 GW by 2050.
    Currently: S.2086-A: Amended on Third Reading (04/27/2026); A.276-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (04/24/2026)
     
  • Virtual Power Plants (GREAT) Act: A.10354 (Kelles)/S.9500 (Hinchey) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes the NYS Grid Reliability and Energy Affordability Transition (GREAT) Act to develop virtual power plant programs which will help reduce energy costs and grid reliability risks.
    Currently: A.10354: Referred to Assembly Energy Committee (02/26/2026); S.9500: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (03/18/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Data Center Moratorium: S.9144-A (Krueger)/A.10141-A (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Imposes a moratorium on the issuance of permits for new data centers; requires the PSC to minimize their impact on electricity and gas rates for customers; clarifies provisions applicable to Long Island Power Authority.
    Currently: S.9144-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (05/12/2026); A.10141-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (05/12/2026)
     
  • NYS Ratepayer Protection Nuclear Moratorium Act: S.9962 (Parker)/A.11433 (Simon) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits certain state funds and subsidies from being expended for new nuclear power facilities and related entities; creates a nuclear assessment task force.
    Currently: S.9962: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (04/17/2026); A.11433: Referred to Assembly Energh Committee (05/15/2026)
      


Building Eletrification:

  • NY Home Energy Affordable Transition Act: NYHEAT: S.4158 (Krueger)/A.4870-A (Simon) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Aligns utility regulation with state climate justice and emission reduction targets; repeals provisions relating to continuation of gas service; repeals provisions relating to the sale of indigenous natural gas for generation of electricity.
    Currently: S.4158: Recommitted to Rules (06/13/2025); A.4870-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee (02/07/2025)
  • Note that two new bills were introduced at the end of session related to NY HEAT:
    • S.8417/A.8888 to remove ratepayer-funded subsidies for connection of new customers to the gas distribution system, which PASSED Senate (06/12/2025), PASSED Assembly (06/16/2025); SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, CHAP.709, Approval Memo.84  
    • S.8421/A.8889, the "Customer Savings and Reliability Act" to repeal certain provisions of the public service law relating to gas service and sale, which Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (01/07/2026), in Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee (01/07/2026).
      Support Memo
       
  • Energy Efficiency Equity and Jobs Act: S.1544 (Parker) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to establishing energy efficiency measures by the public service commission and the New York state energy research and development authority including requiring utilities to hire and train employees who are from priority populations or living in areas designated as environmental justice communities.
    Currently: S.1544: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (01/07/2026)
     


Toxics:

  • Beauty Justice Act: S.2057-B (Webb)/A.2054-B (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to the regulation of ingredients in personal care products to include chemicals of concern which shall be provided on lists identified by the commissioner. 
    Currently: S.2057-B: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.2054-B: Referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee (04/22/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Comprehensive PFAS Ban: S.9073-A (Harckham)/A.7738-A (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the sale of certain products that contain intentionally added PFAS on and after January 1, 2028; requires manufacturers of products containing PFAS to provide notice of such fact to persons that offer the products for sale or distribution; provides penalties for violations.
    Currently: S.9073-A: PASSED Senate, Delivered to Assembly (02/10/2026); A.7738-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Codes Committee (02/11/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Ban on PFAS and other Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products: S.1548 (Fernandez)/A.1502 (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to the regulation of ingredients in menstrual products.
    Currently: S.1548: PASSED the Senate (01/21/2025); A.1502: PASSED the Assembly (03/26/2025); SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAP.674, Approval Memo.55
    Support Memo
     
  • Biosolids Land Application: Five Year Moratorium: S.5759-C (Harckham)/A.6192-D (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: A five year moratorium on the sale and use of sewage sludge/biosolids in NYS.
    Currently: S.5759-C: Reported and Committed to Senate Finance Committee (05/20/2026); A.6192-D: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Biosolids Management: Five Year Moratorium & Agricultural Response Program: S.9115-A (Harckham)/A.10138-A (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires testing & reporting of groundwater, biosolids and soil; establishes a five year moratorium on the sale and use of sewage sludge/biosolids in NYS; establishes the PFAS agricultural response program and fund to assist farms with high levels of PFAS contamination.
    Currently: S.9115-A: Reported and Committed to Senate Finance Committee (03/10/2026); A.10138-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (03/02/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Clearing the Toxic Air: S.4030-A (Fernandez)/A.6416-A (Septimo) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Directs the department of environmental conservation to promulgate air quality standards for emissions of certain toxic air contaminants
    Currently: S.4030-A: PASSED Senate (02/10/2026); A.6416-A: Ordered to Third Reading Cal.410 (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Updating Coal Tar Ban: S.3179-B (Sanders)/A.1388-A (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Reduces the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) limit in New York State's coal tar ban.
    Currently: S.3179-A: PASSED Senate (05/04/2026); A.1388-A: PASSED Assembly (03/31/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Triclosan Ban: S.5363 (Comrie) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the sale of cleaning products containing triclosan, triclocarban or derivatives of such antibacterial compounds.
    Currently: S.5363: Advanced to Third Reading Cal. (02/09/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Ambient Lead Standards: S.122-A (Cleare)/A.3682-A (Peoples-Stokes) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Directs DEC and DOH to establish environmental standards for ambient lead and lead contamination in air, soils and dust on floors and window sills
    Currently: S.122-A: PASSED Senate, Delivered to Assembly (02/10/2026);A.3682-A: PASSED Assembly (03/31/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • DEHP in Medical Equipment: A.2133-C (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the sale of certain medical solution containers, including intravenous fluid bags and tubing, containing PVC and DEHP
    Currently: A.2133-C: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Paraquat Ban: A.10074-A (Rosenthal)/S.9094-A (Harckham) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the use of any pesticide product containing paraquat dichloride or any other chemical form of paraquat.
    Currently: A.10074-A: Advanced to Third Reading Cal.474 (05/07/2026); S.9094-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (04/20/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Mercury Thermostats: S.6765-A (Harckham)/A.7166-A (Bichotte Hermelyn) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires manufacturers of mercury thermostats to set up a collection program; extends the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act to January 1, 2050.
    Currently: S.6765-A: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.7166-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (04/22/2026)
     
  • Malathion spraying ban near schools, daycare centers and parks S.1059-A (Serrano) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits aerial and ground application of malathion and certain pyrethroid-based insecticides within one hundred feet of any school, daycare center or park.
    Currently: S.1059-A: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Fiberglass in children's products, upholstered furniture & mattresses: S.8702-A (Hinchey)/A.8537-A (Weprin) & S.7821-A (May)/A.7912-C (Weprin) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: To prohibit the sale or use of fiberglass in children's products, upholstered furniture and mattresses or to require labeling of such products.
    Currently: S.8702-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (05/19/2026); A.8537-A: Reported and Referred to Codes and Rules (05/20/2026); S.7821-A: PASSED Senate (03/24/2026; A.7912-C: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Codes Committee (04/14/2026)
     
  • Nonemergency Application of Pesticides in Parks: S.1363 (Serrano)/A.1555 (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the nonemergency application of pesticide or lawn care pesticide within any municipal park lands and lands under the jurisdiction of the state office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and requires notice of pesticide application.
    Currently: S.1363: 2nd Report Cal. (05/21/2026); A.1555: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)


Environmental Law:

  • Environmental Justice Requirements: S.4513 (Ramos)/A.2417 (Gallagher) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to compliance with environmental justice requirements; the department of environmental conservation shall not accept as complete a draft environmental impact statement unless the applicant has prepared an enhanced public participation plan as required by the commissioner's policy twenty-nine, environmental justice and permitting.
    Currently: S.4513: PASSED Senate, Delivered to Assembly (02/10/2026); A.2417: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (02/10/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Fixing SEQRA Standing: S.3206 (Kavanagh) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prevents individuals from being denied standing in private actions alleging violations of the environmental quality review provisions of the environmental conservation law solely on the basis that the injury alleged by such individual does not differ in kind or degree from the injury that would be suffered by the public at large.
    Currently: S3206: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Citizen Suits: S.3345 (Parker) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to granting private citizens the right to initiate civil enforcement actions for violations of such law.
    Currently: S.3345: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • 'Streamlining of SEQRA': Part R of the TED S.9008-B/A.10008-B (OPPOSE)
  • Summary: Exempts certain housing projects from the State Environmental Quality Review Act
    Currently: S.9008-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Finance Committee (03/09/2026); A.10008-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Ways and Means Committee (03/09/2026)
    Opposition Memo


Plastic Pollution/Zero Waste:

  • Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act: S.1464-A (Harckham)/A.1749-A (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Enacts the "packaging reduction and recycling infrastructure act" to require companies selling, offering for sale, or distributing packaging materials and products to reduce consumer packaging, improve recycling and recycling infrastructure, including supporting reusable and refill infrastructure, financially support municipal recycling programs, reduce toxins in packaging and require producers of products to bear the onus for end of life solutions to product packaging
    Currently: S.1464-A: Advanced to Third Reading (05/21/2026; A.1749-A: Amended on Third Reading (04/27/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Fashion Environmental Accountability Act: S.4558-B (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.4631-B (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires fashion sellers to be accountable to standardized environmental due diligence policies; establishes a fashion remediation fund.
    Currently: S.4558-B: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Consumer Protections Committee (04/07/2025); A.4631-B: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Consumer Affairs and Protections Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Rechargeable Battery Recycling : S.73-A (Kavanagh)/A.4641-A (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to rechargeable battery recycling; adds a battery used as the principal electric power source for an electric scooter or bicycle with electric assist to the definition of "rechargeable battery"; allows a city with a population of one million or more to enforce through its own agencies.
    Currently: S.73-A: PASSED Senate (06/12/2025); A.4641-A: PASSED Assembly (06/17/2025); SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR, CHAP.712, Approval Memo.87
    Support Memo
     
  • Mattress EPR: S.1463 (Kavanagh)/A.1209 (Paulin) & Tire EPR: S.7553 (Kavanagh)/A.8168 (Gallagher) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: S.1463/A.1209 establishes a mattress collection program; S.7553/A.8168 establishes an extended producer responsibility program for tires
    Currently: S.1463: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.1209: Referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee (01/07/2026); S.7553: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026); A.8168: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo 
     
  • "Skip the Stuff" Act: S.3911-A (Harckham)/A.6949-A (Kassay) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits public food service establishments in NY from providing excess food service items, including utensils, condiments and napkins, except when requested by customers.
    Currently: S.3911-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (05/14/2025); A.6949-A: Reported and Referred to Assembly Ways and Means Committee (05/13/2026)


Transportation:

  • Electric Planes, Trains, & Ferries: S.1456 (Kavanagh)/A.1331 (Simon) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires certain watercraft, aircrafts, and trains to be zero emission; requires the study of certain clean energy sources; requires certain monetary incentives for clean energy vehicles.
    Currently: S.1456: Reported out of Senate Energy to Senate Finance Committee (02/03/2026); S.1331: Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    - White Paper: Electrifying Commuter Rail in New York State (March 1, 2024)
    - White Paper: Electrifying Ferries in New York State (March 1, 2024)
    - White Paper: Electrifying Aircraft in New York State (March 1, 2024)
    - White Paper: Electrifying Consumer Watercraft in New York State (March 1, 2024)
    Support Memo
     
  • Green Transit Green Jobs: A.4439 (Dinowitz) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to the purchase of zero-emission buses and the procurement of electric-powered buses, vehicles or other related equipment and infrastructure; requires public utilities to have infrastructure, capacity, facilities, and transmission and distribution systems needed to supply power for the charging of zero-emission buses and provides a tariff for charging of electric buses.
    Currently: A.4439: Referred to Assembly Governmental Operations Committee
     
  • Ride Clean Rebate: S.1047 (Salazar)/A.281 (Carroll) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Directs the New York state energy and development authority to establish a ride clean rebate program for electric assist bicycles and electric scooters.
    Currently: S.1047: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee(01/07/2026); A.281: Referred to Assembly Energy Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Clean Deliveries Act: S.1180-B (Gianaris)/A.3575-B (Mitaynes) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes an indirect source review for heavy distribution warehouse operations; requires the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study regarding zero-emissions zones.
    Currently: S.1180-B: PASSED Senate, Delivered to Assembly (02/10/2026); A.3575-B: Referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee (02/10/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Postponing Clean Trucks Rule: S.5931 (Cooney)/A.6359 (Lupardo) (OPPOSE)
  • Summary: Postpones the implementation and enforcement of the advanced clean trucks regulations by the department of environmental conservation.
    Currently: S.5931: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026); A.3575: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Opposition Memo
     
  • Electrified Transportation Planning: S.5189 (Comrie)/A.1012-A (Barrett)  (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes a comprehensive electric vehicle fast charging station implementation plan; requires the New York state energy and research development authority to further establish a "Fast Charge NY working group" to develop such plan; makes related provisions.
    Currently: S.5189: Referred to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (01/07/2026); A.1012-A: Ordered to Third Reading Cal.37 (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Electrification of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal: A.2277-A (Rosenthal)/S.3663-A (Hoylman-Sigal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Directs the New York City Economic Development Corporation to immediately commence any proceedings, processes, stakeholder engagement, or capital projects necessary for the installation of shore power capability at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon the expiration thereof.
    Currently: A.2277-A: Referred to Assembly Energy Committee (01/07/2026); S.3663-A: Reported and Committed to Senate Finance Committee (05/29/2025)
    Support Memo
     
  • Get Around New York: S.4044 (Gounardes)/A.4230 (McMahon)  (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Reduces annual vehicle miles traveled within the state 20% by 2050; requires highway expansion projects to comply with reductions to vehicle miles traveled targets or offset any increases through mitigation that can include public transportation, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, and transportation demand management.
    Currently: S.4044: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026); A.4230: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Used EV Rebate: S.2032-A (Harckham)/A.349-A (Barrett)  (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes the used or previously owned zero-emission vehicles rebate program to provide an incentive of up to $2,000 for individuals and institutional or commercial applicants.
    Currently: S.2032-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Energy & Telecommunications Committee (01/09/2026); A.349-A: Amended on Third Reading (01/12/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Effect of air permits for "last mile" warehouses on disadvantaged communities: S.2493 (Gounardes)/A.3395 (Raga)  (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires DEC to include in their community air monitoring study the role the state has played in contributing to air pollution near disadvantaged communities by issuing air permits to "last mile" warehouses; requires DEC to disclose all warehouses receiving air permits on a map on its website.
    Currently: S.2493: PASSED Senate (05/12/2026); A.3395: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Warehouse charging: S.4191 (Gounardes)/A.6727 (Kelles)  (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires distribution centers which are 50,000 sq. ft. or more to be equipped with electric vehicle charging stations as determined by the Secretary of State and NYSERDA.
    Currently: S.4191: Advanced to Third Reading (05/04/2026); A.6727: Referred to Assembly Energy Committee (01/07/2026)

     

 

Wilderness/Wildlife/Parks:

  • Wolf Protection: S.5402-B (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.1229-B (Carroll) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Protects wolves by requiring animals which could be wolves be submitted for a DNA test and, when determined to be wolves, requiring the department take action to protect wolves from being taken in the future.
    Currently: S.5402-B: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (05/28/2025); A.1229-B: Referred to Assembly Ways & Means Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Big Five African Trophy Ban: S.5014 (Sepulveda)/A.1616 (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Enacts the "Big Five African Trophies Act" relating to banning the importation, transportation and possession of certain African wildlife species and products.
    Currently: S.5014: PASSED Senate (05/05/2026); A.1616:  Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (05/05/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Defining Wild & Exotic Animals: S.252 (Martinez)/A.1804 (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Provides that "wild animal" means indigenous, non-domesticated animals native to the country in which they live and "exotic animal" means a wild animal with an origin of a different continent; adds certain wild or exotic animals to the list of non-companion animals; provides certain owners of wild or exotic animals with a license process.
    Currently: S.252: PASSED Senate (05/13/2026); A.1804:  Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (05/13/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Preserving the Nighttime Sky: S.5007 (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.4615 (Glick)* (*not currently same as) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Regulates outdoor night lighting to preserve and enhance the state's dark sky.
    Currently: S.5007: Referred to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (02/18/2025); A.4615: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Title Insurance: S.4403 (May)/A.6076 (Levenberg) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Authorizes the attorney general to approve certain state land acquisitions made for the purposes of land conservation, and to accept a title policy from a commercial insurer to cover any title defects that would otherwise render the title unmarketable.
    Currently: S.4403: Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, Enacting Clause Stricken (03/02/2026); A.6076: Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Nuisance Wildlife Control Euthanasia Disclosure: S.1676 (Skoufis)/A.1420 (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Requires that nuisance wildlife control operators disclose to the client, in writing, that euthanasia may be used to resolve a wildlife related problem
    Currently: S.1676: PASSED Senate (05/11/2026); A.1804:  Advanced to Third Reading Cal.252 (02/12/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Whale Strike Prevention Act: S.7718-A (Harckham)/A.10901-A (Otis) & Whale Awareness Act: S.2292-B (Harckham)/A.8515-A (Kassay) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: To reduce whale strikes by establishing whale strike prevention policies & directing the DEC to establish recommendations and educational materials for reduction of marine mammal interactions
    Currently: S.7718-A: PASSED Senate (04/27/2026); A.10901-A: Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (04/28/2026; S.2292-B: PASSED Senate (03/05/2026); A.8515-A: PASSED Assembly (02/24/26)
    Support Memo 
     
  • Horseshoe Crab Protections, S.4289 (Hoylman-Sigal)/A.4997 (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical purposes
    Currently: S.4289: PASSED Senate (06/11/2025); A.1804:  Passed Assembly (06/05/2025)  SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAP.653, Approval Memo.35 
    Bill Jacket Support Memo
     
  • Ban on Gas & Oil Production Leases on State Lands, S.1069 (Serrano)/A.1179 (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the lease of state forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas and unique areas for the purpose of gas and oil production
    Currently: S.1069: PASSED Senate (04/22/2025); A.1179:  Passed Assembly (06/11/2025)  SIGNED BY GOVERNOR, CHAP.671, Approval Memo.52 
     
  • Tidal Wetlands, S.9479-A (Harckham)/A.10936 (Glick) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to the definition of tidal wetlands
    Currently: S.9479-A: Amended and Recommitted to Senate Environmental Conservation Committee (04/09/2026); A.10936:  Advanced to Third Reading Cal.387 (04/23/2026) 
    Support Memo
     
  • Tax Exemptions for Forest Lands Preservation: S.5603 (May)/A.7550 (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Relates to real property tax exemptions for preservation of forest lands and state assistance to municipalities.
    Currently: S.5603: Referred to Senate Local Government Committee (01/07/2026); A.7550:  Referred to Assembly Real Property Taxation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Fines and Penalties to Conservation Enforcement Account: S.4033-C (Harckham)/A.3026-B (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Provides for disposition of certain fines & penalties; directs such fines to a conservation enforcement account in the state conservation fund.
    Currently: S.4033-C: PASSED Senate (05/14/2026); A.3026-B:  Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (03/27/2026)
     
  • NY Native Plants Program: S.1690-B (May)/A.3030-B (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes the New York Native Plants Program to conserve, promote & enhance the native ecology of NYS by encouraging more use of native plants and ecological-friendly methods and materials on state and local land.
    Currently: S.1690-B: Reported and Committed to Senate Finance (05/20/2026); A.3030-B:  Amended and Recommitted to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (02/06/2026)
     
  • Red-eared Slider Turtles: S.6621 (Harckham)/A.1685 (Rosenthal) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Prohibits the breeding, sale, trade, purchase, importation and exportation of red-eared slider turtles.
    Currently: S.6621: 2nd Report Cal (05/21/2026); A.1685:  Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (01/07/2026)
     
  • Octopus Farming: S.7421-A (Martinez)/A.8043-B (Simone) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Provides that no person shall engage in the aquaculture of any species of octopus in the state for the purpose of human consumption.
    Currently: S.7421-A:1st Report Cal (05/20/2026); A.8043-B:  Advanced to Third Reading Cal.460 (05/07/2026)
     
  • Mining Beneath Waterways: S.10003 (Webb)/A.11051 (Kelles) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary:  Relates to permits & financial security for reclamation for mining on state-owned lands occurring below or beneath navigable waterways; and to repeal certain provisions of the environmental conservation law relating thereto.
    Currently: S.10003: 1st Report Cal (05/20/2026); A.11051:  Referred to Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee (04/24/2026)
     

Democracy/Voting Rights:

  • The Voting Integrity and Verification Act of New York: S.7116 (Cleare)/A.6287 (Cunningham) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Enacts the "voting integrity and verification act of New York (VIVA NY)"; provides that each voter is entitled to the use of an individual, voter verifiable paper ballot of the voter's vote and the opportunity to mark it.
    Currently: S.7116:  Advanced to Third Reading (04/27/2026); A.6287: Referred to Assembly Elections Law Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • "Count Every Vote Act of NY": CEVA NY: S.417 (Gianaris)/A.4307 (Dinowitz) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Enacts the "Count Every Vote Act of New York" which amends the procedure for the recanvass of vote in election districts; defines margin of victory for the purpose of triggering a hand recount of ballots.
    Currently: S.417: PASSED Senate (03/11/2026); A.4307: Referred to Assembly Election Law Committee (03/11/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Hand- or marking device-marked paper ballots: A.9314 (Pretlow) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Precludes touchscreen voting machines from use in NYS that do not utilize hand- or marking device-marked, human-readable, voter-verifiable paper ballots.
    Currently: A.9314: Referred to Assembly Election Law Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     

Additional Bills:

  • Fuel Oil: S.4046 (Harckham)/A.1183 (Paulin) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: would prohibit the use of #4 fuel oil after July 1, 2029.
  • Currently: S.4046: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.1183: Reported & Referred to Assembly Ways and Means Committee (01/07/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Electric Landscaping Equipment Rebate: S.1574-A (Krueger)/A.2657-A (Otis) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Establishes the electric landscaping equipment rebate program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and reduce noise pollution by promoting the adoption of quieter, zero-emission landscaping equipment; provides for rebates at the point of sale for applicants purchasing or leasing certain equipment; provides for the repeal of such provisions upon expiration thereof.
  • Currently:  S.1574-A: PASSED Senate (04/21/2026); A.2657-A: PASSED Assembly  (04/20/2026)
    Support Memo
     
  • Radiation Monitoring Reporting: S.1984 (Harckham)/A.11029 (Levenberg) (SUPPORT)
  • Summary: Directs the commissioner to publicly publish an annual report on the environmental radiation surveillance program and analyze such report showing trends and cumulative impact, as well as notify other relevant agencies if contamination has exceeded EPA standards for maximum amounts of contamination allowed in drinking water or food.
  • Currently:  S.1984: PASSED Senate (04/16/2026); A.11029: PASSED Assembly (05/12/2026)
    Support Memo

 

Legislation

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Politics & Elections

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Atlantic Chapter Lobby Toolkit

The strength of the Sierra Club is our grassroots power and the thousands of members willing to act on behalf of New York’s environment. While Albany is the focus of attention during the legislative session, we often have the most influence over...