Bill > A01554

This bill amends the New York Environmental Conservation Law to explicitly declare the waters of the state as public trust resources. Specifically, the bill adds language stating that the state's waters are valuable public natural resources, and the state has a legal duty to conserve and manage these waters effectively for the benefit of current and future inhabitants, as well as for environmental protection. The bill emphasizes that it is in the state's best interest to regulate and supervise activities that could potentially deplete, damage, or negatively impact the state's waters and associated land resources. By recognizing waters as public trust resources, the legislation underscores the state's sovereign responsibility to protect and manage water resources for the collective benefit of all New York residents. The changes aim to strengthen the legal framework for water conservation and environmental stewardship by explicitly defining waters as a public trust and outlining the state's obligations to maintain and protect these critical natural resources.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1554