Seven Harckham Bills Protecting the Environment Signed into Law

Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham announced today the recent signing of seven of his bills into law, which address a wide range of environmental issues ranging from regulating pollution and increasing access to renewable energy to wildlife conservation and improving the distribution of environmental information. 

“As chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee I am committed to protecting New York’s environment and combating climate change and pollution,” said Harckham. “This kind of work comes in all forms and each bill I sponsor and pass through my committee is another step forward in creating a healthier environment for all New Yorkers.”

Two of the laws address toxic pollutants entering our ecosystems via used products. One law (S.9825) extends the mercury thermostat collection program an additional year to continue the proper disposal of mercury, a known neurotoxin, from entering our environment. Meanwhile, 

Another law (S.9342) allows retailers to repair damaged pesticide containers before sale, addressing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimate that suggests up to five million pounds of consumer pesticide products may be wasted due to containers that are damaged before sale.

Another new law will help advance our transition to renewable energy sources. This law (S.8060) grants the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) greater flexibility in regulating geothermal boreholes of 500 feet or deeper, which will help align state regulations with industry standards. This builds on Harckham’s previous enacted law (S.6604), which reduced restrictions on geothermal boreholes to enhance the efficiency of emission-free geothermal heating statewide.   

Harckham helped modernize hunting regulations in New York with a new law (S.8644A) that permits hunters to present electronic copies of their licenses instead of requiring physical ones, a common-sense practice already adopted by several other states. Also, Harckham’s law (S.9341) extends the ban on stainless steel circular hooks for shark fishing to protect sharks from long-term injury even after release.

Harckham also introduced a newly enacted law (S.9322) that extends the 50% subsidy amendment in the State Water Pollution Control Revolving Fund and provides essential funding for clean water infrastructure projects to local governments that do not qualify for the state’s interest-free financing.

Lastly, Harckham helped promote environmental awareness, by introducing a new law (S.9321) that allows the DEC to continue proceeding with a sweepstakes contest for its magazine, The Conservationist,  to boost subscriptions and help spread valuable information about environmental initiatives in New York.

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, said, “Thanks to the leadership of Senator Harckham, several environmental bills have made their way into law this year. Legislation crafted to protect public health and our environment has widespread public support. These laws, among other things, protect the public from mercury exposure, support renewable energy, reduce pesticide pollution and support clean water infrastructure. These important programs provide meaningful protections and progress for all New York residents.”

Roger Downs, conservation director of the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, said, “Senator Harckham continues to introduce legislation that provides solutions to a broad array of environmental concerns. Part of what makes Senator Harckham so effective is his commitment to advancing policies that actually work for a wide range of stakeholders across the political spectrum. Whether addressing harmful pesticides, protecting our water resources or saving rare species, Senator Harckham is building a legacy of environmental protections that will benefit all New Yorkers for generations to come.”

Since taking office in 2019, Harckham has had 121 bills signed into law to protect the environment, support municipalities, assist veterans and community members with differing abilities.