Bill > S04405

This bill establishes the Public Water Justice Act, which aims to protect the waters of the state as a public trust resource. The bill prohibits the sale of waters of the state unless specifically authorized and creates a public water justice fund to collect royalties and fees from water sales. Key provisions include requiring permits for bottled water production, with a detailed application process that involves public notice, hearings, and consultation with local governments and tribal entities. Applicants must pay significant fees, including a minimum royalty of 25 cents per gallon for water withdrawn for bottled water sales. The bill places strict conditions on water withdrawals, including limitations on daily water extraction and requirements to demonstrate no significant impact on local hydrology. The public water justice fund will be used to support water affordability programs, water source protection, public health initiatives, and infrastructure improvements, with a specific requirement to allocate at least 35% of funds to disadvantaged communities. The legislation emphasizes the state's role as a trustee of water resources, protecting water access, quality, and environmental integrity for current and future generations, while establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework for water resource management and commercial water use.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S4405