Bill > A05614

This bill directs the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to create and implement a five-year tree planting pilot program specifically targeting the ten zip codes in the state with the highest rates of asthma. To accomplish this, the DEC will first consult with the Department of Health to identify these high-asthma zip codes, and then work with local agencies to plant trees in those areas with the goal of improving environmental conditions. The bill allocates $10 million from the general fund to support the program's implementation. At the conclusion of the five-year pilot program, the DEC, in collaboration with the Department of Health, will be required to submit a comprehensive report to the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker detailing the program's results and offering recommendations for potential future legislative action. The program is set to begin on April 1, 2025, and aims to address environmental health disparities by using tree planting as a strategy to potentially reduce asthma incidence in the most affected communities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5614