Bill > A07051

This bill amends the Environmental Conservation Law to establish a Sea Level Rise Mitigation and Adaptation Plan for cities with a population of one million or more. The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in consultation with the New York City Emergency Management Department, will: (1) identify vulnerable land, facilities, and critical infrastructure; (2) assess mitigation options; (3) submit an annual report; and (4) conduct public hearings. After 180 days, the DEC will be authorized to implement climate adaptation and mitigation projects, such as constructing natural resiliency measures, nature-based solutions, facility relocation or retrofitting, and flood risk reduction. The DEC will prioritize projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, minimize environmental and public harm, and are cost-effective.