Requires the trustees of The State University of New York to develop a SUNY-wide zero waste action plan.
Impact
If enacted, S09684 would have a substantial impact on state laws related to education, particularly in how public universities manage waste and sustainability efforts. The plan requires each SUNY campus to develop its own comprehensive action plan, ensuring that campuses align with the broader zero waste goals set forth in the bill. Additionally, by prioritizing durable materials and establishing metrics for waste reduction, the legislation seeks to instill a culture of sustainability within the university framework, influencing both academic and operational priorities.
Summary
Bill S09684 seeks to establish a comprehensive zero waste action plan for the State University of New York (SUNY) system. The bill mandates the board of trustees to collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and relevant labor organizations to create a strategic approach to minimize waste across all SUNY campuses. By focusing on initiatives such as source reduction, materials reuse, recycling, and composting, the bill aims to significantly reduce waste generation and enhance sustainability practices within the university system.
Contention
While the bill is driven by a strong environmental initiative, there may be points of contention regarding the feasibility and implementation of such a wide-ranging plan. Stakeholders may express concerns over the costs involved in transitioning to zero waste, the complexities of reforming procurement practices, and potential resistance from vendors. Discussions may also arise about how to effectively engage the student body and faculty in realizing the ambitious goals of the plan by 2033, ensuring broad support and participation from all campus stakeholders.
Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.
Adds members to the board of trustees of the state university of New York who represent the interests of community colleges as full voting members of the board of trustees; provides that the local legislative body or board of the county in which a community college is located may appoint a trustee in the event that the governor fails to appoint such trustee within 180 days of a vacancy on a board of trustees of a community college.
Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".
Requires that the state university of New York's board of trustees and the city university of New York's board of trustees shall each adopt a policy requiring all state university of New York, city university of New York, college, and community college campuses that offer membership programs to the general public for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities, to permit disabled veterans to obtain a membership for the use of fitness and aquatic facilities upon the same terms and conditions as apply to the general public, but without payment of any fees or other charges, or at a discounted rate; defines "disabled veteran".
Relates to the membership of the board of trustees of the state university of New York; reduces the number of trustees appointed by the governor from fifteen to ten; adds one trustee appointment by the speaker of the assembly, one by the temporary president of the senate, one by a majority vote of SUNY and CUNY staff, and two by a majority vote of SUNY alumni.
Requires at least a ratio of one clinical, non-student mental health staff member per one thousand students on all SUNY and CUNY campuses and for state colleges and universities to update such ratio every five years.