Senate Bill S5865

                                 
BILL NUMBER: S5865

SPONSOR: GOUNARDES
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the state finance law, in relation to prohibiting the
purchase of single-use plastic bottles by the state and any governmental
entity or political subdivision or public benefit corporation thereof

 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:

This legislation will affirm New York State's commitment to reducing
single-use plastic waste by prohibiting the state and any governmental
agency from purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

Section one amends section 165 of the State Finance Law by adding a new
subdivision 2-a which prohibits the state and any related governmental
agency, political subdivision, or public benefit corporation from
purchasing or obtaining single-use plastic bottles.  Exceptions apply in
cases when no other alternative is available, when necessary to address
              

health requirements and emergencies, or when compliance would conflict
with pre-existing contract requirements. The attorney general shall
investigate any violations of provisions and provide a ,report to the
governor and the legislature.

Section two establishes the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:

Each year, approximately 15 million metric tons of plastic enter oceans
and waterways worldwide. Single-use plastic bottles are a major driver
of plastic pollution, with more than one million being purchased every
minute worldwide. Not only does the production of plastic bottles
further greenhouse gas emissions, only a fraction of bottles produced
are properly recycled and the rest enter our landfills and waterways
where they never fully break down. Over time, bottles and other plastic
products turn into microplastics, small particles that are now commonly
found in our food, rainwater, cosmetics and even people's bloodstream.

Unchecked plastic pollution harms our planet and the people and animals
who inhabit it. This legislation would ensure New York State does its
part in reducing plastic pollution by prohibiting the state and any
state agencies from purchasing single-use plastic bottles.

 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

2024: S9204 - Referred to Procurements and Contracts

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

TBD

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediate