BILL NUMBER:S2051

TITLE OF BILL:
An act
to amend
the environmental conservation law, in relation to authorizing local
governments to require property owners to replace trees which are
removed

PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL: This bill allows
local governments to
adopt a local low or ordinance requiring property owners to replace
trees removed from their property.

SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS: Any local government
is authorized and
empowered to adopt a local law or ordinance requiring a property
owner to plant trees in replacement of trees removed from the
property owner's property. Such local law or ordinance many require
the property owner to plant up to three trees for each tree removed
and may include property tax credits and reasonable fines as
determined by the municipality.

EXISTING LAW: This legislation will add a section to
the Environmental
Law to Title 15 - (91501 - 9-1503) REMOVAL OF TREES AND PROTECTED
              

PLANTS to include § 9-1505

JUSTIFICATION: This legislation, "Kent's Law" as
suggested by Kent
Iarocci, resident of Rye, New York plays an important role in
protecting our environment by providing for the replenishment of
trees in a community. We hear about what is commonly referred to as
"Global Warming" and some reports have shown a devastating effect of
what only a few degrees changing in temperature can do to life forms
in our oceans. Our communities must take ownership of this problem
and search for ways to help restore the eco-systems and environment
that surrounds us. Increasing the number of trees will aid to filter
the air, hence producing a higher quality of oxygen while reducing
atmospheric gases such as carbon dioxide. It is also important to
remember what is commonly acknowledged as the "Greenhouse Effect".
The greenhouse effect is the heating of the surface of our planet due
to the presence of increased atmospheric gases such as carbon
dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide absorb and then emits radiation
whereby serving to destroy the ozone layer. The destruction of the
ozone layer reduces the level of protection from ultraviolet
radiation which all life forms need to survive. The replenishing of
trees aids to reverse the adverse conditions brought
on by the "Green House Effect" while also making a community more
physically appealing. This legislation will also create jobs and tax
revenue for local communities.

PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY: 2011-2012 (Latimer)
Referred to
Environmental Conservation Committee

FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: Nominal cost for income tax
credits

LOCAL FISCAL IMPLICATIONS: None

EFFECTIVE DATE: This act will take effect immediately.