S4513

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Ramos that would create a public review process for climate projects in frontline communities, with a final vote of 59-3. The bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to ensure disadvantaged neighborhoods have a voice in projects affecting their areas. Ramos, whose Queens district includes Astoria, cited her community's experience during Hurricane Ida and efforts to block a peaker plant as motivation for the measure. She characterized the legislation as an equity issue that will strengthen the state's ability to meet climate goals under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Senators Martins, Ortt, and Walczyk voted against the bill. The measure takes effect 180 days after becoming law.

The New York State Senate passed Senate Print 4513, an environmental conservation bill sponsored by Sen. Ramos, by a vote of 51-1 on a roll call. The legislation amends the Environmental Conservation Law to ensure environmental justice communities have local input on projects affecting their areas, including offshore wind and infrastructure development. Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said local input is critical when projects affect communities and constituents must be heard through government and community outreach. Sen. Ramos, the bill's sponsor, argued that historical land use review processes favored the real estate industry and that the measure ensures environmental justice communities can hold companies accountable to their promises while supporting climate action and job creation through a union climate economy. Only Sen. Ortt voted against the measure. The bill takes effect 180 days after becoming law.