BILL NUMBER: S2352
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
enacting the "New York deforestation protection act"
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Enacts the "New York deforestation protection act".
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 provides the title, the "New York deforestation protection
act".
Section 2 amends Article 9 of the environmental conservation law by
adding a new title 23:
Section 9-2301 establishes Purpose of the act.
Section 9-2303 establishes the powers of the department as it relates to
timber; The commissioner shall adopt rules to ensure adequate protection
against deforestation of agriculture, forest and undeveloped land.
Section 9-2305 establishes the powers of the department as it relates to
pests and invasive species.The department is vested with authority and
jurisdiction in all matters relating to the prevention, detection and
control of forest pests on the forest lands of the state. 10 9-2307
establishes powers of the department as it relates to water and land
management.
Section 3 sets the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
The protection of our forest and its resources is vital to our life.
Trees reduce the amount of carbon in the atmosphere by sequestering
carbon. Clearing and cutting trees releases stored carbon back into the
atmosphere. Moreover, as trees grow, they store more carbon by holding
it in its accumulated tissue and thus, the size, health, and care of the
trees plays a pivotal role in our fight against global warming and
climate change. New York's forests are also important economic resources
for the state as well. According to Cornell University, the forest
industry employs more than 60,000 people and directly contributes some
$4.6 billion to the state's economy yearly.
The purpose of this legislation is to encourage New York State to employ
proactive practices to protect its resources.Across New England and New
York, forest loss is releasing an average of 4.9 million metric tons of
carbon dioxide equivalent each year, according to a 2021 Clark Universi-
ty study compiled by scientists from Clark University and global envi-
ronmental organization The Nature Conservancy. Accordingly, we are
losing out on an average of 1.2 million metric tons of carbon sequestra-
tion per year. Protecting our state forest resources can provide green-
house gas reductions and removals that we need in order to meet our
obligations under the CLCPA.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
S5125-REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION