BILL NUMBER: S1363
SPONSOR: SERRANO
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
prohibiting the nonemergency application of pesticide or lawn care
pesticide within any municipal park lands and lands under the jurisdic-
tion of the state office of parks, recreation and historic preservation
and requiring notice of pesticide application
 
PURPOSE:
This bill prohibits the nonemergency application of pesticides on park
grounds.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill adds a new section 37-0115 of the Environmental
Conservation Law to prohibit the nonemergency application of pesticide'
or lawn care pesticide to any park or other nature, recreation, and
historic area, and requiring advance public notice regarding the appli-
cation of pesticides on such areas.
Section two of the bill is the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Pesticides pose a variety of human health risks and negative impacts on
the environment. Pesticide exposure has been associated with an
increased risk of certain cancers, developmental disorders in children,
and have been linked to a disruption of endocrine function. In addi-
tion, a number of pesticides have been identified as persistent and
toxic pollutants.
Parks are intended to be a preservation of nature, while providing safe
and enjoyable educational and entertainment value for people of all
ages. The use of chemical pesticides are inconsistent with these
intentions: Parks should be held in trust for the public by the State
and municipalities. This bill will help ensure that parks remain as
nature intended for today's generation and generations to come.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2015-2016: S7445 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
2017-2018: S3086 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
2019-2020: 54771 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
2021-2022: S1428 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
2023-2024: S1606 - Referred to Environmental Conservation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.