S T A T E   O F   N E W   Y O R K
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                                  6344

                            I N  S E N A T E

                               (PREFILED)

                             January 6, 2016
                               ___________

Introduced  by  Sen. HOYLMAN -- read twice and ordered printed, and when
  printed to be committed to the Committee on Judiciary

            CONCURRENT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND ASSEMBLY

proposing an amendment to section 4 of article 14 of  the  constitution,
  in relation to environmental protection

  Section  1. RESOLVED (if the Assembly concur), That section 4 of arti-
cle 14 of the constitution be amended to read as follows:
  S 4. The policy of the state shall be  to  conserve  and  protect  its
natural  AND  CULTURAL  resources  and  scenic  beauty and encourage the
development and improvement of its agricultural lands for the production
of food and other agricultural products. The legislature, in  implement-
ing  this  policy, shall include adequate provision for the abatement of
air and water pollution and of  excessive  and  unnecessary  noise,  the
protection  of  agricultural  lands,  wetlands  and  shorelines, and the
development and regulation of water resources  AND  SHALL  ESTABLISH  AN
OFFICE  OF  PUBLIC  ADVOCATE WITH THE AUTHORITY TO COMMENCE CIVIL ACTION
AGAINST THE STATE OR ANY OF ITS DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES OR BUREAUS OR  ITS
PUBLIC  AUTHORITIES  TO  PROTECT  THE  PUBLIC'S  INTEREST IN THE STATE'S
NATURAL AND CULTURAL RESOURCES.  The legislature shall  further  provide
for  the acquisition of lands and waters, including improvements thereon
and any interest therein, outside the forest preserve counties, and  the
dedication  of  properties  so  acquired  or now owned, which because of
their natural beauty, wilderness character, or geological, ecological or
historical significance, shall be preserved and administered for the use
and enjoyment of the people. Properties so  dedicated  shall  constitute
the  state nature and historical preserve and they shall not be taken or
otherwise disposed of except by law enacted by  two  successive  regular
sessions of the legislature.
  S 2. RESOLVED (if the Assembly concur), That the foregoing be referred
to  the  first  regular  legislative  session  convening  after the next
succeeding general election of members of the assembly, and, in conform-
ity with section 1 of article 19 of the constitution, be published for 3
months previous to the time of such election.

 EXPLANATION--Matter in ITALICS (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
              

                      [ ] is old law to be omitted.
                                                           LBD89059-01-5