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

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."