Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma.
Summary
This bill directs the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, in consultation with the Department of Health, to create and carry out a five-year tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes with the highest incidence of asthma. The program is intended to improve environmental conditions in those areas by planting trees in coordination with local agencies. At the end of the pilot period, DEC must report its findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Senate Temporary President, and the Speaker of the Assembly.
The bill also appropriates $10 million from the General Fund to support implementation of the pilot program. It would take effect April 1, 2025, and is framed as a targeted environmental and public health intervention focused on communities with elevated asthma rates.
Impact
The bill would create a new, time-limited state program administered by the Department of Environmental Conservation and coordinated with the Department of Health, adding a specific statutory mandate to identify high-asthma zip codes and fund tree planting there. It would not broadly amend existing environmental or health statutes, but it would require state agencies to use asthma incidence data to guide environmental remediation efforts and would dedicate $10 million in state funds for that purpose. The affected parties would include DEC, DOH, local agencies, and residents of the targeted zip codes, especially communities experiencing higher asthma burdens.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee discussion or votes, the measure appears to be presented as a public health and environmental improvement initiative with a targeted equity focus. The bill’s framing suggests generally favorable intent toward reducing asthma-related environmental harms through urban greening. Because no transcripts or vote history are provided, there is no documented opposition or support to assess beyond the bill’s stated purpose.
Contention
No committee transcripts or voting records are available, so there are no documented points of contention in the provided materials. Potential areas of debate, if raised, would likely concern the use of $10 million in General Fund money, the effectiveness of tree planting as an asthma intervention, how the ten zip codes would be selected, and whether the program should prioritize other environmental or public health measures instead. The bill itself assigns DEC and DOH responsibility for those determinations, but it does not specify selection methodology beyond asthma incidence.
Same As
Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma.
Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma.
Relates to enacting the "New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program act"; provides that the department of environmental conservation shall develop guidance for a photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program to guide manufacturers in preparing and implementing a self-directed program to ensure the convenient, safe, and environmentally sound take-back and recycling of photovoltaic modules and their components and materials; establishes the photovoltaic module recycling account for the purpose of paying all costs of the department of environmental conservation for management and administration of the New York photovoltaic module stewardship and take-back program.
Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.
Directs the commissioner of agriculture and markets, acting by and through the department of economic development, in cooperation with the department of environmental conservation, to establish a New York native plants designation, and offer seals or logos identifying native plants as grown in New York state and certified for their quality, for product labeling, advertising, and displays.
Requires the Olympic regional development authority, in consultation with the department of environmental conservation and division of human rights to develop an anti-bias and inclusion training to be completed by employees of such agencies annually.