Requires the commissioner to promulgate rules and regulations requiring the department to install or cause to be installed at the outlet of any point source that empties into the waters of the state a trash capture net for purposes of collecting garbage, refuse, and other debris; defines "trash capture net" to mean a commercial grade, reusable, open-meshed material designed to capture pollutants as small as five millimeters in diameter.
Summary
A03857 would amend the Environmental Conservation Law to require the Department of Environmental Conservation, through rules and regulations promulgated by the commissioner, to install or cause to be installed trash capture nets at the outlet of any point source that discharges into waters of the state. The bill defines a trash capture net as a commercial-grade, reusable, open-meshed material designed to capture pollutants as small as five millimeters in diameter.
The measure is aimed at reducing the amount of garbage, refuse, and other debris entering New York’s waterways by intercepting trash before it reaches rivers, lakes, and other state waters. It applies broadly to point-source discharges and would create a statewide regulatory requirement for trash interception infrastructure at those outlets.
Impact
If enacted, the bill would add a new section to the Environmental Conservation Law and direct DEC to adopt implementing regulations. It would impose a new operational requirement on the department and potentially on facilities or infrastructure associated with point sources that discharge into waters of the state, while also establishing a statutory definition for the required trash capture equipment. The bill could affect municipal stormwater systems, wastewater outfalls, and other discharge points that contribute litter and small debris to waterways.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears supportive and environmentally focused. The proposal reflects a pollution-prevention approach that is likely to appeal to advocates for cleaner waterways and reduced marine debris. No formal opposition, amendments, or recorded vote history is available in the provided context.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, however, could include the cost of installing and maintaining trash capture nets, the scope of facilities covered by the requirement, and whether the five-millimeter capture standard is practical or sufficiently stringent. Any concerns would likely come from regulated entities or local governments responsible for compliance, while environmental advocates would likely favor the measure.
Requires the owner or operator of a new data center to submit to the Public Service Commission a thermal energy network feasibility assessment that identifies potential off-site thermal loads within one mile of the facility; requires that new data centers be designed, constructed, and operated to capture and reuse waste heat generated by computing equipment through a thermal energy network.