Press statement on the Passing of NYS Senate Bill S.122 (Cleare)

ALBANY, NY – on March 5th the New York State Senate passed bill S.122, sponsored by Senator Cordell Cleare. This is a large step to protecting New Yorkers against lead contamination in our soil, floors, air, windowsills, and water. The bill now must pass in the Assembly and be signed into law by the governor.  

S122 establishes affirmative air quality standards for lead in ambient air, soil-lead hazard standards for lead-contaminated soil, and dust-lead hazard standards and dust-lead clearance levels for floors as well as windows and window troughs.  

There is no amount of lead exposure that is safe, particularly for children. The past few years have seen action at the Federal EPA Level and as well in various states to establish standards that recognize what science, health and life experience tell us. 

“This bill” said S.122 sponsor Senator Cordell Cleare, “will finally create affirmative, stricter environmental standards and will prevent lead contamination in our soil, floors, air, windowsills and water. This will give our beloved children the protection they so manifestly deserve and ensure that New York has the safest standards in the nation!”