Bill > S03590

This bill, known as the "Climate Resilient New York Act of 2026," establishes an Office of Resilience within the executive branch, led by a Chief Resilience Officer, to address the state's vulnerability to climate change impacts, which have led to numerous disaster declarations. The Office will coordinate a Resilience Task Force, comprised of various state agency heads and a public member, to provide strategic direction and make recommendations. A key function of the Office will be to develop a Statewide Resilience Plan, which will outline the state's resilience goals, utilize scientific projections to identify and reform policies and projects, prioritize natural and nature-based solutions, and set measurable goals for tracking progress. This plan will also include a framework for project development and funding, ensuring that disadvantaged communities receive at least 35-40% of the benefits from proposed resilience projects. Furthermore, the bill mandates that each state agency appoint a Resilience Coordinator to integrate resilience into their missions and priorities, and establishes an Interagency Resilience Coordination Team to ensure communication and alignment across agencies. The bill also requires significant public engagement, including regional hearings on the draft plan, and mandates that the Office submit updated Statewide Resilience Plans to the legislature every five years.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S3590