Bill > A10199

This bill, known as the "New York open water data act," aims to improve the management and planning of the state's water resources by establishing a framework for collecting, integrating, and reporting water data. It designates specific entities, the "conveners" (New York water resources institute at Cornell University and New York sea grant at Stony Brook University), to lead and support various state "agencies" (including the Department of Environmental Conservation, Department of Health, and others) in this effort. The act defines "water data" broadly to encompass measurements of streamflow, precipitation, groundwater, water quality, water use, and data related to both fresh and marine waters, as well as water infrastructure, with provisions for excluding sensitive information. Within six months of becoming law, the conveners will facilitate meetings for the agencies to plan how to identify key water data, develop common standards for data collection and dissemination to make it publicly accessible through the state's OpenNY program, and identify any missing data. These agencies will also be required to update compiled water data at least quarterly and collaborate with other regional and international efforts. Furthermore, by September 1st of the second year after the act becomes law, and annually thereafter, the agencies must submit a plan to the governor and legislature detailing an assessment of existing data, projected information needs, estimated budgetary resources, and metrics for success.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A10199