Bill > A04213

This bill amends both the environmental conservation law and the navigation law to prohibit the discharge of bilge water into New York state waters. Bilge water is defined as a mixture of water, oily fluids, lubricants, grease, cleaning fluids, and other wastes that accumulate in the lowest part of a vessel from various sources like engines, propulsion systems, piping, and other mechanical components. The legislation makes it unlawful for any person, whether engaged in commerce or not, to place, throw, deposit, or discharge bilge water from any vessel, watercraft, marina, or mooring into the state's waters, which are broadly defined to include all waterways within New York state or adjacent bodies of water over which the state has territorial jurisdiction. The bill includes a severability clause, ensuring that if any part of the law is found invalid, the remainder of the legislation would remain in effect. By explicitly defining bilge water and establishing a comprehensive prohibition on its discharge, the bill aims to protect New York's water environments from potential contamination from marine vessels.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A4213