Bill > S07574

This bill directs the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop and implement a five-year tree planting pilot program targeting the ten zip codes in the state with the highest rates of asthma. 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 that may contribute to respiratory health issues. The program is funded with $10 million from the general fund, and after the five-year period, the DEC will collaborate with the Department of Health to prepare a report for state leadership (the governor, senate president, and assembly speaker) that summarizes the pilot program's results and provides recommendations for potential future legislative actions. The bill is set to take effect on April 1, 2025, and aims to address environmental health disparities by using urban tree planting as a potential strategy to mitigate asthma rates in the most affected communities.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7574