BILL NUMBER: S1129A
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
banning the use of unencapsulated foam flotation in docks, buoys and
floating structures
 
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this act is to prohibit the sale of foam flotation in
buoys, docks, or floating structures that is not fully encapsulated.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This bill prohibits the sale, distribution, or use of docks, buoys, or
floating structures that use foam flotation unless the foam is fully
encapsulated in a durable shell or barrier.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Banning unencapsulated foam flotation in docks will help protect our
environment and the health of our waterways. Foam flotation materials
are non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to decompose caus-
ing significant harm to marine life, ecosystems, and impairs recreation-
al enjoyment of our State's natural environment.
When foam flotation is used in docks without proper encapsulation, the
natural erosion processes at shorelines can easily break the material
into smaller, even microscopic, pieces and release harmful chemicals
into the water. These pieces and chemicals are toxic to, and often
ingested by, fish, and other aquatic life posing a threat to fisheries.
They can also contaminate the drinking water and recreational spaces
that New Yorkers rely on across the State.
The bill requires that foam flotation used in docks, buoys, and floating
structures must be fully encapsulated in a durable shell or barrier that
prevents exposure and degradation into the environment. This will help
ensure that foam flotation materials are properly contained and do not
break down and release harmful chemicals into the water.
 
BILL HISTORY:
2023-2024: S.7977-A (May) / A.8142-A (Kelles)
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the state.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately