Hochul signs environmental legislative package

ALBANY | Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed a legislative package that included eight different bills to protect New York State's environment. New efforts range from eliminating plastic waste to ensuring the state's commitment to clean water and an atmosphere free of chemical contaminants. "Climate change and pollution are two of the most serious issues affecting New Yorkers' health and quality of life," Gov. Hochul said Dec. 23. "These pieces of legislation will ensure our state remains a national leader, not only in the fight for clean air and water, but in securing a cleaner, more sustainable future for generations as well." Chemical Additions to List of Emerging Contaminants Legislation (S.1759-A/A.0126-A) amends the public health law to establish New York State's first emerging contaminants list, as well as expand the list of chemicals to be included. Reducing Plastic Waste Legislation (S.0543/A.5082) reduces plastic pollution by restricting hotels from providing certain small plastic containers for hospitality personal care products. In 2017, the world produced 348 million tons of plastic. Of that, 40 percent was used to produce single-use plastic products. This legislation takes important steps to limit the unnecessary environmental impact of single-use plastics, especially in light of viable alternatives such as dispensers for example, which have also proven to be more cost-effective for hotels. Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act Legislation (S.4722-A/A.5386-A) establishes the 'Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act' to enhance and maintain the health of soil on farms to improve farm productivity, protect natural resources, reduce the effect of farming on climate change and mitigate the impact of climate change on farming. The Soil Health initiative would have the Department of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, and other partners encourage farmers in urban, suburban and rural communities to adapt soil health practices to optimize soil health. Lead-Free Water in Schools Legislation (S.2122-A/A.0160-B) will ensure that drinking water in schools is safe from lead contamination by expanding lead testing, increasing test frequency, and lowering lead levels. The funding for this testing and remediation is provided for under the state's Clean Water Infrastructure Act and the new federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act. Prohibiting Pesticides at Children's Overnight and Day Camps Legislation (S.4478-A/S.0528-A) extends New York State's school anti-pesticide laws to children's overnight and summer day camps. This act will ensure that no children's overnight or summer day camp applies pesticide to any playground, athletic or playing field. Addressing Rates of Asthma Legislation (S.0646-B/A.2670-B) directs the New York State Department of Health to conduct a study on the incidences of asthma in cities and towns having a population of more than 90,000. Studying Impacts of New York Airports Legislation (S.0966-B/A.2140-B) directs the Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a study on the quality of life and human health impacts at John F. Kennedy International and LaGuardia airports. Bioheating Fuel Requirements Legislation (S.3321-A/A.7290) makes statewide heating consumption less harmful to the environment by establishing minimum levels of biodiesel in all heating oil for use in any building in the state. By July 2022 all heating oil sold must be bioheating fuel that contains at least 5 percent biodiesel, rising to 10 percent by July 2025.

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Hochul signs environmental legislative package

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