Bill > A05651

This bill modifies several laws related to environmental assessment and historic preservation in New York State. The bill makes changes to environmental conservation and parks laws that primarily focus on streamlining and clarifying processes for environmental impact statements, historic preservation planning, and archaeological surveys. Key provisions include: designating the department as the lead agency for environmental impact assessments when multiple agencies are involved; reducing timeframes for conducting public hearings and preparing environmental impact statements from 60 to 30 days; establishing new criteria for determining properties eligible for the state historic register, including a requirement for public comment periods and hearings; mandating annual updates to the statewide historic preservation plan; and creating a new New York State Archaeological Survey Assistance Fund to reimburse municipalities and private organizations for archaeological surveys required by state agencies. The fund will provide full or partial reimbursement for surveys based on whether historical artifacts are discovered, with reimbursement levels ranging from 25% to 100% depending on the survey's outcomes and costs. The bill aims to improve the efficiency and transparency of environmental and historic preservation processes in New York State.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A5651