BILL NUMBER: S3342
SPONSOR: PARKER
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, the executive law,
the public service law, the labor law, the state finance law, the public
health law, the public authorities law, and the public housing law, in
relation to implementing several programs to improve indoor air quality,
including establishing photo-catalytic air scavenging technology certif-
ication centers and a weatherization and energy efficiency training
program, and establishing the office of workforce development and indoor
air quality management training, minimum wage rates for indoor air qual-
ity workers, and an indoor air quality fund
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
To establish policies that improve indoor air quality in all buildings
and facilities, including public and private schools, government build-
ings, hospitals, and residential buildings.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
This act will establish an independent entity known as the indoor air
quality control board within NYERDA, the department of public health,
the office of children and family services, and the empire state devel-
opment corporation which will oversee the implementation and enforcement
of policies and regulations related to "Sick Building Syndrome" This
bill will also seek to generate professional employment opportunities
within local communities through the creation of trained technicians
certified in maintaining and installing new air quality control technol-
ogy.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Here is a distinct difference between electrical efficiency and creating
a virus-free environment for people to work, live, go to school, and
play. Indoor air pollution is a risk factor for several of the world's
leading causes of death, including heart disease, pneumonia, stroke,
diabetes and lung cancer including airborne viruses. Americans, on aver-
age, spend approximately 90 percent of their time indoors, where the
concentrations of some pollutants and viruses are often 2 to 5 times
higher than typical outdoor concentrations. As we studied the Coronavi-
rus pandemic, we now recognize like the Influenza viruses or other
common respiratory pathogens to include mold, is spread predominantly
from person to person in our communities through "shared air". We need a
focus on protecting the "shared air" we all must breathe. This will
provide the critical solution allowing us to sensibly sustain our socie-
ty, avoiding the false choice between "lives" and "livelihoods" some
believe we must make. There is a need to directly address indoor air
quality by having a separate commission distinct from electrical savings
to alleviate "Sick Building Syndrome within the city of New York and
elsewhere in the State. Simple choice Electric al Savings or Peoples
Health. Which is more important? Many of our schools and buildings
suffering from "Sick Building Syndrome" are not protected from the next
virus outbreak whether it be a new variant of COVID or Flu. "Sick Build-
ing Syndrome" and lack of protection from viruses disproportionately and
adversely affect the minority population of New York and the disadvan-
taged community by not creating a virus-free environment within homes,
schools, and offices. Technology exists to create a virus-free environ-
ment for people to work, go to school, and play in. There is a distinct
difference between electrical efficiency and creating a virus free envi-
ronment. Providing improved electrical efficiency will not protect the
City and State of New York from the next Pandemic attack of creating a
healthy environment in the older buildings and schools within New York
City. It is therefore recommended the creation of an Independent Indoor
Air Quality board to address the health of New Yorkers and report
directly to...
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-24: S7485- REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
To Be Determined
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately. Effective immediately, the addi-
tion, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for
the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized to
be made and completed on or before such effective date.