S2510A

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An Act to Amend the Environmental Conservation Law — 2024-03-21 · Calendar #340

The Senate passed S2510A, sponsored by Sen. Ramos, amending the Environmental Conservation Law to require enhanced public participation for major projects affecting disadvantaged communities. The bill passed 60-0 after a contentious procedural battle. Sen. Rhoads had proposed an amendment requiring legislative approval of MTA congestion pricing tolls, arguing the plan was a money grab that would not reduce vehicle traffic despite environmental justice messaging. Acting President Cooney ruled the amendment nongermane, and Rhoads' appeal to overturn the ruling failed 19-0 on a show of hands. The bill, which has passed unanimously for three consecutive years, requires developers to submit enhanced community engagement plans for major projects in disadvantaged communities and within a one-mile radius. Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick praised the measure for ensuring meaningful local input on projects like offshore wind development, while Sen. Helming supported it but expressed concern that input should not be limited to disadvantaged communities when public health and safety are at stake.

PASSED Ayes: 60 · Nays: 0

Debate Summary

The bill was initially laid aside on the noncontroversial calendar. When called on the controversial calendar, Sen. Lanza raised a point regarding a proposed amendment. The Acting President ruled the amendment nongermane under Rule 6, Section 4B. Sen. Rhoads appealed the ruling, arguing the amendment regarding congestion pricing and environmental justice was germane to the bill's environmental justice provisions. Rhoads criticized the congestion pricing plan as a money grab lacking environmental benefits, noting the MTA's $48 billion debt and arguing the legislature should retain approval authority over toll amounts rather than delegating to an unelected board. The appeal to overturn the chair's ruling failed 19-0 on a show of hands. The bill was then restored to the noncontroversial calendar by consent and passed unanimously.

Amendments

Sponsor	Description	Outcome
Sen. Rhoads	Amendment would require the MTA to return to the legislature for approval of any recommended toll amounts established under congestion pricing, rather than allowing an unelected MTA board to set tolls unilaterally. The amendment mirrors S5934/A3063A.	defeated

An act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law — 2023-02-15 · Calendar #312

The New York State Senate passed S2510A, sponsored by Senator Ramos, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law. The bill received 59 affirmative votes in a roll call vote and will take effect 180 days after becoming law. No floor debate was recorded on the measure.

PASSED Ayes: 59 · Nays: N/A

Debate Summary

No debate was recorded on this bill. The measure proceeded directly to a roll call vote following the reading of the final section.