S724

The New York State Senate voted to reconsider Senate Print 724, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, by a vote of 61-0 on a motion by Sen. Gianaris. The bill, which had previously passed, was restored to its place on the Third Reading Calendar. Sen. Gianaris subsequently offered amendments to the legislation. The specific nature of the amendments was not detailed in the floor debate.

The New York State Senate passed S724, sponsored by Sen. Serrano, an act to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, on a roll call vote of 56-2. Senators Oberacker and O'Mara voted in opposition. The bill, which carried Calendar Number 336, is set to take effect immediately upon enactment. No floor debate was recorded on the measure.

The New York State Senate passed legislation sponsored by Sen. Serrano to amend the Environmental Conservation Law, with a vote of 59-3. The bill prevents gas exploration leases on state forestlands and aims to protect forests threatened by climate change impacts. Sen. May, speaking in favor, characterized the measure as promoting carbon sequestration through two mechanisms: keeping fossil carbon from ancient forests in the ground and protecting living forests from threats including droughts, wildfires, extreme weather, and pest migration. She noted that climate change poses immediate threats to New York's forests, including potential loss of maple trees within coming decades due to temperature changes. Only three senators—Oberacker, O'Mara, and Ortt—voted against the measure. The bill takes effect immediately upon passage.