State Senate Passes Environmental Protections in Honor of Earth Day

Emission Limits of Toxic Air Contaminants: This bill, S.4030, sponsored by Senator Fernandez, directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish ambient air quality standards and fenceline monitoring for certain toxic air contaminants.

Empowering Lake Associations to Clean Up Lakes: This bill, S.1733, sponsored by Senator Harckham, creates a program to assist municipalities with water quality improvement of water bodies within the municipality managed by lake associations.

Establishes a Delivered Fuels Replacement Program: This bill, S.1668, sponsored by Senator Harckham, authorizes the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to administer a program to provide grants, loans, and financial assistance to support fuel switching for residences from propane or fuel-oil heating systems to efficient electric heat pumps.

Safe Playground Materials: This bill, S.3852-A, sponsored by Senator Michelle Hinchey, prohibits manufacturers from including intentionally added PFAS, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS), or lead as components of playground surfacing materials.

Prohibits Drilling Fluids and Flowback Water for De-icing: This bill, S.2706-A, sponsored by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, prohibits the use of wastewater from hydrofracking, which contains chemicals and radioactive contaminants, and other drilling operations from being used on any highway for any purpose including de-icing or dust suppression.

The Emissions Tampering Act: This bill, S.3828-A, sponsored by Senator Hoylman-Sigal, prohibits the disabling, removal of, and interference with vehicle emission control devices.

The PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act: This bill, S.4574B, sponsored by Senator May, would require certain industrial facilities known or suspected to discharge wastewater containing PFAS and publicly owned wastewater treatment plants to conduct PFAS monitoring and disclose the results from such monitoring.

The Just Energy Transition Act: This bill, S.5111, sponsored by Senator Parker, directs NYSERDA to develop new programs and initiatives in consultation with other state agencies and stakeholders to facilitate the replacement and redevelopment of New York’s oldest and most polluting fossil fuel generation facilities by 2030.

Implementing Enhanced Public Participation Plans: This bill, S.4513, sponsored by Senator Ramos, would require applicants for environmental permits for major projects near a disadvantaged or ‘environmental justice community’ to engage in enhanced public participation activities to ensure host communities have input and a voice.

Prohibit Oil and Gas production on Protected State Land: This bill, S.1069, sponsored by Senator Serrano, would prohibit the lease of state forests, reforestation areas, wildlife management areas, and unique areas for the purpose of oil and gas production.

Bill Sponsor Senator Nathalia Fernandez said, “Clean air is a basic right — not a privilege. Across New York, communities of color and low-income neighborhoods continue to bear the brunt of toxic air pollution, with devastating consequences. In the Bronx, these inequities have contributed to some of the highest asthma rates in the nation. S.4030 takes a necessary step toward environmental justice by establishing enforceable limits on toxic emissions and holding polluters accountable for the public health harms they cause.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “No parent or guardian should ever have to worry about what their child may be unexpectedly exposed to when their kid goes out to play. That's why I’m proud that my bill to ban the sale of playground surfacing materials made with toxic chemicals like PFAS and lead is included in the Senate’s Earth Day package, which will help ensure that our kids have safe places to learn, play, and grow. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for prioritizing the health and safety of our next generation in this package.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “The package of bills passed today proves that we in the Senate Majority are taking Earth Day seriously, not just as a time to celebrate our planet, but as an opportunity to pass meaningful legislation to protect it. I’m excited that two of my bills have been included in this package. The first would ban wastewater obtained from hydrofracking from being used to de-ice or suppress dust on our highways (S.2706A). Hydrofracking wastewater contains dangerous chemicals and even radioactive contaminants which can seep into our groundwater and watersheds, creating significant environmental and public health problems. Our package also includes legislation (S.3828A) to prohibit the tampering with, disabling, or removal of emission controls in diesel-powered motor vehicles, which would go a long way in supporting our efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. These bills, as well as our full earth day package, demonstrate the Senate Majority’s commitment to making New York State a leader in the fight to protect our planet.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Rachel May said, “Passing the PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act is a significant step forward in our efforts to ensure clean and healthy freshwater. For too long, the public has been unaware of the extent of PFAS released by industrial polluters into our lakes, rivers, and groundwater. This bill provides transparency by requiring monitoring data from industrial permit holders, including landfills and Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) that manage wastewater. This information will be crucial in limiting and ultimately eliminating this threat to public health. I am proud and grateful to see this bill included in the Senate Majority’s 2025 Earth Day package.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Kevin Parker said, “The Just Energy Transition Act isn’t just about cutting carbon—it’s about building a future where all New Yorkers can breathe clean air, access affordable energy, and thrive in a green economy. The Just Energy Transition Act is more than climate legislation—it’s a moral obligation. We’re creating a clean energy future that lifts communities, creates jobs, and puts justice at the heart of our transition. On Earth Day, we don’t just talk about change—we legislate it.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Jessica Ramos said, “The lesson from the NRG peaker plant fight is that New Yorkers in environmental justice communities deserve the power to shape their neighborhoods. This bill isn’t just participation—it’s transformation. If energy companies want to build in our neighborhoods, it is not too much to ask that they consider our needs, our fears, and our potential. Thank you, Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, for taking a stand to lead on climate.”

Bill Sponsor Senator Jose Serrano said, “New York must continue to be at the forefront of our nation’s efforts to fight climate change and protect our precious natural resources. I am happy that my bill S.1069, which would prohibit the use of state forests and wildlife management areas for the purpose of oil and gas production, is included in this Earth Day package. This comprehensive package put forth by our conference will promote much needed environmental conservation and preservation initiatives. My sincere thanks to our Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee Senator Pete Harckham, and my Senate colleagues for this important bill package and their ongoing advocacy for our environment.”

Katherine Nadeau, Deputy Executive Director for Policy & Programs, Environmental Advocates NY said, “Under Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and Senator Harckham’s leadership, the Senate’s Earth Day package tackles pollution, protects public lands, and helps New Yorkers shift to clean energy. Passing these bills is a strong step in the right direction—and we’re grateful that the Senate is acting with urgency to move NY forward in the face of federal rollbacks.”

Pat McClellan, Policy Director, New York League of Conservation Voters said, “The New York League of Conservation Voters proudly supports the New York State Senate's Earth Day legislative package. From air quality standards to water protection to clean energy technology to environmental justice — including through the Just Energy Transition Act, an NYLCV Scorecard Bill — we commend the Senate for advancing several key environmental measures and once again demonstrating their commitment to a healthier, more sustainable New York.”

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) said, “CCE applauds the New York State Senate for taking action this Earth Day with a legislative package that puts people and the planet first. The urgency to act has never been greater than it is this Earth Day. These policies will protect our air and water quality, safeguard communities from toxic PFAS chemicals, and accelerate our transition to clean energy. At a time when the federal government is actively dismantling critical environmental protections, it’s imperative for states to lead and New York is answering that call. We need these types of actions to ensure a safe and healthier future for all.”

Blair Horner, Senior Policy Advisor, NYPIRG said, “NYPIRG applauds the Senate for celebrating ‘Earth Day’ the way it's supposed to be — with policies to make New York greener, cleaner, and safer.”

Jeremy Cherson, Associate Director of Government Affairs, Riverkeeper said, “Riverkeeper applauds the Senate for celebrating Earth Day with a meaningful package of bills that make New York a healthier place to live, work, and play. Several of these bills address the core challenges we face in protecting clean drinking water and restoring iconic waterways like the Hudson River. At a time when Washington, D.C., is rolling back progress on climate and clean water, we’re encouraged by the New York Senate’s leadership in moving us forward.”