New York State Senate Advances Legislation in Honor of Earth Day to Safeguard Public Health, Environment

April 21, 2026

Senate Majority press release announcing legislation in honor of Earth Day.

Members of the Senate Majority field media questions on environmental bills.

New legislation will address ‘forever chemicals,’ expand clean energy, and reduce environmental hazards statewide

The New York State Senate today advanced legislation to protect New Yorkers and the state’s natural environment. The legislative package includes measures to streamline the replacement process for lead service lines, facilitate the replacement and redevelopment of the state’s fossil fuel facilities, establish an electric landscaping rebate program, prohibit harmful substances in products such as cosmetics and wipes, and monitor and prevent harmful algal blooms in the state’s water resources. These bills further demonstrate the Senate Majority's commitment to conserving New York’s natural resources, investing in electrification and solar infrastructure, reducing waste and emissions, and removing harmful substances from our environment.

Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins said, “The Senate Majority remains committed to being good stewards of New York’s environment and natural resources for both the present and future. Building on our continued progress to hold polluters accountable and advance environmental justice, this year’s Earth Day package takes further action to reduce harmful emissions, crack down on dangerous ‘forever chemicals,’ and accelerate our transition to clean energy. These measures will safeguard public health, improve air and water quality, and support sustainable communities across our state. I thank the sponsors of this legislation for their commitment to Earth Day and protecting our environment.”

Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Senator Pete Harckham said, “When it comes to transitioning from dirty, expensive fossil fuels to affordable clean energy and effectively safeguarding our environment, New York needs a bold vision and real action. I thank Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins for bringing these bills to the floor, and I thank my talented Senate colleagues for their important contributions to the Earth Day legislative package as well.”

Legislation Components

Authorizes a Delivered Fuels Replacement Program: This bill, S.1668, sponsored by Senator Harckham, would authorize the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to administer a program that would provide grants, loans, and other assistance in order to help residences to switch from propane or fuel-oil heating systems to electric heat pumps.

Prohibits Grade Number Four Fuel Oil Statewide: This bill, S.4046, sponsored by Senator Harckham, would prohibit the use of grade number four fuel oil in any building or facility in New York State after July 1, 2030.

Amends the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act: This bill, S.6765A, sponsored by Senator Harckham, would extend and enhance the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act. Among other measures, it would require manufacturers and producer responsibility organizations to submit a mercury collection plan and create a cash incentive to turn in old mercury thermostats for proper and safe disposal.

The Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act: This bill, S.6570A, sponsored by Senator Harckham, would set a new target for distributed solar energy capacity, revive the NY-SUN program, and direct the Public Service Commission to advance reforms to the utility interconnection process to ensure timely and cost-effective integration of new small-scale solar energy projects.

Prohibits Anti-Fogging Sprays or Wipes Containing PFAS: This bill, S.9268A, sponsored by Senator Fahy, would prohibit and penalize the sale and distribution of anti-fogging sprays or wipes containing PFAS.

Establishes a Producer Responsibility Mattress Collection Program: This bill, S.1463A, sponsored by Senator Kavanagh, would require mattress producers to establish convenient, cost-effective plans for the re-use, recycling and proper disposal of mattresses.

Electric Landscaping Equipment Rebate Program: This bill, S.1574A, sponsored by Senator Krueger, would promote the adoption of zero emission electric landscaping equipment through an electric landscaping equipment rebate program aimed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve local air quality, and reduce noise pollution.

The Solar Up Now New York (SUNNY) Act: This bill, S.8512B, sponsored by Senator Krueger, would allow the use of small plug-in and portable solar generation devices in residential and commercial buildings after national certification of the devices is complete and they are recognized in the state building code.

Enacts the Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Prevention Act: This bill, S.1833A, sponsored by Senator May, would direct the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish coordinated initiatives to monitor, evaluate, prevent, and mitigate harmful algal blooms, and would create a Harmful Algal Bloom Prevention and Mitigation Program fund.

Enacts the Just Energy Transition Act: This bill, S.5111A, sponsored by Senator Parker, would direct the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority to prepare a study offering options to replace and redevelop New York State’s heaviest polluting fossil fuel facilities and their sites by 2030.

Facilitates Lead Service Line Inspections: This bill, S.3581, sponsored by Senator Rivera, would require property owners to respond within a 30-day time frame to a request by a covered water system to conduct a free service line inspection on their property to determine the presence of a lead service line.

Requires State Agencies to Establish Composting Programs: This bill, S.7809A, sponsored by Senator Salazar, would require state agencies to establish composting programs in all utilized buildings.

Enacts the Beauty Justice Act: This bill, S.2057B, sponsored by Senator Webb, restricts the sale of personal care products containing harmful and toxic chemicals like PFAS and heavy metals.

Member Support

Bill sponsor Senator Pat Fahy said, “PFAS are toxic, 'forever chemicals' that do not break down over time and can cause serious health impacts in New Yorkers who are exposed. A 2022 study by Duke University found alarmingly high amounts of PFAS in anti-fogging sprays and wipes used to clean glasses, face shields, and more. Shockingly, even one pump of an anti-fog spray can lead to 10–500 times higher exposure than consuming even 1 liter of water at the U.S. EPA health advisory level, or 70 nanograms per liter. This represents a new frontline in the fight to limit PFAS exposure, and I'm thrilled that under Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins' leadership, we're taking bold and meaningful action to protect public health.”

Bill sponsored Senator Brian Kavanagh said, “Today, on the eve of Earth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to protecting and restoring our natural environment — in the face of growing threats of climate change, biodiversity loss, and ubiquitous toxins — and advancing a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future for all New Yorkers and for the planet we share. With enactment of S.1463, New York will join four other states in requiring the mattress industry to collect their products at the end of their useful life and ensure that the materials are recycled properly into new mattresses and other products. Extended producer responsibility is one of the most powerful tools we have to address waste, reduce emissions, and hold industry accountable for the full lifecycle of their products, and it saves local taxpayers the substantial cost of disposal and landfilling valuable materials. I am proud to sponsor EPR legislation for this and many other products, and I thank my co-sponsor Assemblymember Paulin, and Leader Stewart-Cousins and Senator Harckham for their leadership on the vital legislative package we are passing today.”

Bill sponsor Senator Liz Krueger said, “The environmental crises facing the only planet we have are growing more urgent every year, and they require determined action on all fronts. I'm proud that the Senate Majority will be moving important bills today that will boost access to cheap, clean solar power, and lead to cleaner and healthier air and water and fewer toxic chemicals in the products New York families use every day.”

Bill sponsor Senator Rachel May said, “Every season, harmful algal blooms plague lakes across New York, threatening drinking water, public health, and recreation. My Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Prevention Act will give state and local governments the tools to better understand, identify, and respond to these threats. It will help ensure our communities can protect water quality and preserve the high standard that residents, businesses, boaters, anglers, and visitors from around the world expect from New York’s waterways.”

Bill sponsor Senator Kevin Parker said, “On this Earth Day, we reaffirm that the fight for a cleaner, healthier future is not optional, it is urgent. The Just Energy Transition Act represents our commitment to phasing out outdated fossil fuel infrastructure while investing in communities that have carried the burden of pollution for far too long. This is about protecting public health, creating good-paying clean energy jobs, and ensuring that every New Yorker benefit from a more sustainable and equitable energy future.”

Bill sponsor Senator Gustavo Rivera said, “On this Earth Week, I am proud that our Conference is passing this bill package which includes my Lead Service Line Identification bill. This bill will speed up the identification of lead service lines in our water systems, ensuring property owners and tenants can quickly respond to free inspection requests. Replacing lead service lines is key to eliminate lead exposure more efficiently and keep our communities safe so I urge the Assembly and the Executive to prioritize this bill.”

Bill sponsor Senator Julia Salazar said, “By passing Senate Bill 7809A and requiring State-owned buildings to establish composting programs, New York could reduce its negative impact on the environment and create an opportunity to generate State revenue. This legislation would divert 1.69 million pounds of organic waste from landfills that could instead be used as renewable energy or be sold to farmers and landscapers. This is a sustainable, environmentally friendly bill that leverages organic waste for the better.”

Bill sponsor Senator Lea Webb said, “Right now, with no label or warning, New Yorkers are purchasing personal care products such as soap, shampoo, makeup, and other items containing toxic chemicals linked to serious health risks. The Beauty Justice Act is a long-overdue step towards protecting our health and advancing environmental justice efforts in New York. I am thankful to Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and my colleagues for including the Beauty Justice Act in this year's Earth Day package. People can’t protect themselves from what they can’t see. My bill would end the silent harm caused by chemicals in products marketed to us that we use every day by requiring companies to disclose their full ingredients.”

Advocate Support

Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY, said, “We applaud Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, Senator Harckham, and the Senate Majority Conference for passing a strong package of environmental bills, including the Beauty Justice Act — an environmental community Superbill — this Earth Day. These bills will protect clean air and water, reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, and lower energy bills. This is the environmental leadership that New York needs today, and we're grateful that the Senate Majority continues to chart the path towards a greener, healthier, and stronger New York State.”

Executive Director of the New York Solar Energy Industries Association Noah Ginsburg said, “Today, the New York State Senate passed the Accelerate Solar for Affordable Power (ASAP) Act, showing that clean energy leadership and affordability go hand in hand. The ASAP Act builds on New York’s most successful clean energy sector by expanding rooftop and community solar deployment and cutting costs through no-regrets interconnection reforms. A recent study found that implementing the ASAP Act will lower wholesale electricity rates and save New Yorkers $1 billion annually. On behalf of New York’s hundreds of local solar + storage businesses and our 18,688-strong workforce, New York Solar Energy Industries Association (NYSEIA) thanks the Senate — especially Senator Harckham — for taking decisive action to tackle rising electricity bills. We urge the Assembly and Governor to follow suit and enact the ASAP Act in the FY2027 budget.”

Betta Broad at New Yorkers for Clean Power said, “We applaud the NYS Senate for passing an Earth Day bill package that honors the legacy of the first Earth Day, when 20 million Americans took a stand against pollution and its devastating health impacts. NYCP is especially excited to see the passage of the ASAP Act, which will accelerate the deployment of solar and storage, making electricity more affordable for all New Yorkers as we transition to a cleaner, healthier energy future.”

Policy Director at the National Audubon Society Erin McGrath said, “Gas-powered landscaping equipment is a significant source of air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and noise — all of which harm birds, other wildlife, and human health. Electric alternatives are a proven solution, and rebates for commercial landscapers, municipalities, schools, and nonprofits will meaningfully accelerate adoption. We are pleased to see that the Senate has included S.1574–A (Krueger) / A.2657-A (Otis) in the Senate's Earth Day legislative package and look forward to seeing it being passed by the Chamber.”

Executive Director at Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) Adrienne Esposito said, “We commend the NYS Senate for taking action this Earth Day with a package of bills that would make our state a safer, healthier, and more affordable place to live for all New Yorkers. These policies will significantly increase renewable energy and fight climate change, ban PFAS and other toxic chemicals from products we use every day, get dangerous lead out of our drinking water, and much more. The ASAP Act will not only increase clean, renewable energy generated through rooftop and community solar power, it will also save ratepayers a billion dollars annually when fully implemented. With the federal government abandoning its responsibility to protect our health and environment, New York’s leadership is needed and appreciated more than ever. Earth needs our efforts!”

NY Renews Executive Director Stephan Edel said, “As New York’s climate and clean energy progress continues to be threatened, the New York State Senate champions strong, proactive policies that would bring clean, cheap, and renewable energy to New Yorkers statewide and reduce our dependence on volatile, expensive, and climate-destroying fossil fuels. Both ASAP and SUNNY would accelerate our transition to clean solar energy today, at a time when New Yorkers need clean, affordable energy more than ever. Thank you to our Senate champions for your leadership and your advocacy.”

Executive Director of Clean+Healthy Bobbi Wilding said, “Now more than ever we need New York State to take action to protect people and the planet. Clean+Healthy applauds the broad scope of the NYS Senate's package of bills passed on Earth Day. We are especially heartened to see commitment to safer products, including passing the Beauty Justice Act, a ban on PFAS “forever chemicals” in anti-fogging sprays for glasses, and cleaner water through the Lead Pipes Replacement Act. At a time when the federal government is rolling back protections and cutting programs, it is essential for New York to stand up for our health and environment. Thank you, Senator Stewart-Cousins, and the entire body for passing this important package of bills.”

Conservation Director of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter Roger Downs said, “This Earth Day bears a certain urgency as we fight to keep foundational environmental laws from devastating rollbacks through the budget process. As negotiations continue, the Senate is not only working to preserve our climate legacy; under the leadership of Andrea Stewart-Cousins they are also expanding upon the rules that protect us from dangerous chemicals, improve recycling, advance renewable energy, reduce pollution and bring down energy costs for everyday New Yorkers. We applaud the Senate for continuing to move New York’s environmental policies forward, even as cynical political undercurrents try to pull us back.”

New York Policy Advocate for Earthjustice Liz Moran said, “Earthjustice applauds the Senate for advancing a package of bills this Earth Day that will protect our environment and public health and help reduce energy costs. With the Trump Administration waging a war that is hiking up already volatile fossil fuel prices, and wreaking havoc on basic environmental and public health safeguards, it is crucial for New York to take action. This package represents what leadership looks like, and we applaud those leaders for prioritizing people, not corporate profit.”

Policy Director for the New York League of Conservation Voters Patrick McClellan said, "The New York League of Conservation Voters proudly supports the New York State Senate’s Earth Day legislative package. From advancing solar energy with the ASAP Act, to phasing out dirty heating fuels, banning toxic chemicals from personal care products, reducing waste, and safeguarding our water quality, these bills reflect a comprehensive commitment to a healthier, more sustainable New York. We commend the Senate for advancing these critical measures and for continuing to lead on environmental and climate action."