Commission on Rural Resources Releases Joint HABs Hearing Report with Senate Environmental Conservation Committee

Albany, NY–On Wednesday, November 12 the Legislative Commission on Rural Resources published a report about a public hearing previously held on May 21, 2025 by the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation. The purpose of the hearing was to evaluate the efficacy of the State’s monitoring and management of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and examine potential legislative solutions. The hearing was chaired by Senator Pete Harckham (SD-40) and co-chaired by Senator Rachel May (SD-48). 

A wide range of stakeholders that included witnesses from State agencies, local governments, environmental groups, and the agricultural community offered testimony. The Commission on Rural Resources, in conjunction with the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, worked to produce the final report, which provides background information about HABs in New York State, findings from the hearing, and policy recommendations based on witness testimony.    

“Since its inception, our Commission has been charged with protecting and preserving New York’s natural resources, and water is the most fundamental resource that we have. The proliferation of harmful algal blooms in recent years is alarming, and it’s critical that we act to address this concern. We believe that this report is a strong representation of the possible paths forward moving into the next legislative session. We want to thank Senator Harckham, Senator May, the Environmental Conservation Committee, and staff for all of their hard work on this topic; we look forward to further collaborating with them and various stakeholders in the future to protect water quality and public health,” said Executive Director Corey Mosher.

The bipartisan Legislative Commission on Rural Resources is composed of members from both the Senate and the Assembly. Albany's only independent body focused on the needs of rural New York, its goal is to promote and protect the state’s rural resources by making recommendations to the Legislature on policies and programs. Senator Rachel May serves as the Commission’s chair.

NYS Senate HABs Hearing Report (2025) by New York Senate