Bill > A08088

This bill establishes the Climate Resilient New York Act of 2025, creating a comprehensive framework to address climate change impacts in New York State. The legislation creates an Office of Resilience within the executive department, led by a Chief Resilience Officer appointed by the governor, to coordinate statewide climate resilience efforts. The bill mandates the development of a strategic statewide resilience plan that will utilize scientific projections to identify and prioritize climate threat mitigation strategies, with a particular focus on natural and nature-based solutions like living shorelines, wetland restoration, and green infrastructure. A Resilience Task Force will be established, comprising representatives from various state agencies, to provide strategic guidance and make recommendations. The bill requires the creation of resilience coordinators in state agencies, an interagency resilience coordination team, and commits to public engagement through regional hearings and comment periods. The plan must include specific provisions for supporting disadvantaged communities, ensuring they receive at least 35-40% of the benefits from proposed resilience projects. The office will be responsible for tracking progress, developing policies, providing technical assistance, and submitting updated resilience plans to the legislature every five years, with the first plan due within one year of the act's implementation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A8088