Senate Advances Comprehensive Environmental Conservation Protections

June 8, 2021

Senate Majority Advancing Legislation to Reduce Hazardous Chemicals and Continue Protecting New York’s Environment

The New York State Senate passed an environmental legislative package that continues its commitment to preserving New York’s natural resources and empowering future generations of environmental stewardship.

“As Government leaders, we have a responsibility to protect New Yorkers from hazardous chemicals and to continue making New York State more environmentally friendly,” Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said. “I’m proud that the Senate Democratic Majority, under my leadership, is continuing our work to reduce harmful chemicals, protect our wetlands, and ensure we are on track to meet the high standards we’ve set to make New York State a leader in environmental protection. I thank the bill sponsors for the ongoing commitment to build a stronger and greener New York.”

Bill Sponsor and Chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation Senator Todd Kaminsky said, “The science is clear: carcinogenic flame retardants pose a serious threat to our firefighters and children. By banning these toxic substances from everyday items in our homes, such as furniture and electronic accessories, we will be taking a major step in keeping our families and first responders safe. It is long past time we put them before corporate polluters — and that is exactly what we are doing today. I look forward to seeing this bill enacted into law — our children and firefighters’ health demands nothing less.”

Read the Senate Majority release.

Hazardous Chemicals, Pesticides

Prohibit the Use of Hazardous Chemicals: This bill, S.4630B, sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, prohibits the intentional addition of hazardous flame retardants to upholstered furniture, mattresses, and certain electronic displays.

The Birds and Bees Protection Act: This bill, S.699B, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, prohibits the sale or purchase of certain seeds that are pretreated with pesticides toxic to pollinators and requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to review the harmful effects of pesticides toxic to pollinators.

Carpet Stewardship Program: This bill, S.5027A, sponsored by Senator Brian Kavanagh, creates an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for carpeting. This program will establish goals for carpet recycling and phase out PFAS chemicals from new carpet production.

Clean Water Initiatives

Freshwater Wetlands: This bill, S.5116C, sponsored by Senator Pete Harckham, expands protections for freshwater wetlands and streamlines the wetlands permitting process.

School Water Testing: This bill, S.2122A, sponsored by Senator Gustavo Rivera, will expand water testing in schools by increasing testing frequency, removing exemptions and lowering lead levels.

Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection Stations: This bill, S.7010A, sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, authorizes the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish aquatic invasive species inspection stations in the Adirondack Park and provides for owners of watercraft to self-certify that reasonable precautions have been taken to detect and remove aquatic invasive species.

Kelp Cultivation in Underwater Lands: This bill, S.6532A, sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, permits kelp cultivation in underwater lands at Gardiner's and Peconic bays.

Regulatory Compliance

Environmental Justice for All: This bill, S.1232, sponsored by Senator Michael Gianaris, declares a state policy of equal treatment in the development and enforcement of environmental laws, regulations, and policies.

Moratorium on Operation of Cryptocurrency Mining Centers: This bill, S.6486B, sponsored by Senator Kevin Parker, establishes a moratorium on the new or expanded use of fossil fuels to power the operation of cryptocurrency mining centers and requires completion of an environmental impact study of the cryptocurrency industry in the State.

Emission Tampering Act of 2021: This bill, S.6172, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman, prohibits the disabling, removal or interference with emission control devices, and requires motor vehicle inspection stations to inspect for such devices and requires their removal.

Green Stewardship

The New York State Low Embodied Carbon Concrete Leadership Act: This bill, S.542A, sponsored by Senator Todd Kaminsky, establishes a low embodied carbon procurement standard for concrete used in public construction projects that will incentivize emissions reductions throughout the concrete production process.

The Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act: This bill, S.4722A, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, establishes the soils health initiative, the climate-resilient farming initiative, and promotes the research on soil health, all spearheaded by the Department of Agriculture and Markets. This bill will encourage agricultural producers across the state to improve and maintain the health of farms, as well as protect natural resources and the health, safety, and welfare of all New Yorkers.

Member Support

Bill Sponsor, Deputy Senate Majority Leader, Senator Michael Gianaris said, “Pursuing environmental justice rectifies decades of harmful policies that have exacted a toll on our communities, our state, and our planet. I'm pleased to support these bills, and that the Senate is passing my proposal to achieve greater environmental equality, because we only have one earth and our future depends on better policies.”

Bill Sponsor, Senator Pete Harckham said, “More so than ever, we must remain vigilant in protecting our environment and natural resources, and that’s what this package of legislation does. When it comes to saving our vital freshwater wetlands or eliminating harmful and hazardous chemicals, there is no time to waste. I commend my colleagues on the action being taken today. We are either proper stewards of this planet, or we are not.”

Bill Sponsor, Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York continues to fortify its reputation as a national leader in combating climate change, and with the passage of the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act in both houses of the State Legislature, we are sending a strong signal that we are not only committed to achieving our climate goals but to strengthening the partnerships that will help get us there. This bill is designed to prioritize New York farmers and the soils that grow our food as core components of our state’s climate strategy. I’m proud to sponsor this transformative legislation to bring New York’s soil health laws to 21st century standards, which will help safeguard our food supply, water, and air quality for generations to come."

Bill Sponsor, Senator Brad Hoylman said,“The Birds and Bees Protection Act is a transformative piece of legislation that provides targeted, science-based restrictions on neonicotinoid pesticides that are having a devastating impact on pollinators. By passing this legislation, and the rest of our slate of environmental protection bills , New York will be a leader in protecting the future of our earth. I’m grateful that Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins is willing to fight for the birds, bees and humans of the Empire State.”

Bill Sponsor, Senator Kevin Parker said, “Curbing the use of fossil fuels is crucial to continuing our aggressive approach to climate change. The process of extracting cryptocurrencies can take massive amounts of energy use, and I'm proud to sponsor legislation that would place a moratorium on new or expanded use of fossil fuels to power the operation of cryptocurrency mining centers. This legislation protects New Yorkers from these disastrous impacts.”

Bill Sponsor, Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “Children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead, so it is critical that we make sure that they have access to clean drinking water on school grounds. I'm proud to sponsor this legislation as it will expand testing, and require lab reports to be accessible online creating further transparency. These measures will further protect our children from the devastating effects of lead contamination.”