BILL NUMBER: S3972
SPONSOR: HARCKHAM
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
directing the department of environmental conservation to establish a
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal treatment instal-
lation grant program and a perfluoroakyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
removal treatment maintenance rebate program
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to
directing the department of environmental conservation to establish a
perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal treatment instal-
lation grant program and a perfluoroakyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances
removal treatment maintenance rebate program
 
PURPOSE:
Directs the department of environmental conservation to establish an
installation grant program and a maintenance rebate program for PFAS
removal treatment.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the environmental conservation law by adding a new
section 37-0123 to establish a PEAS removal treatment installation grant
program, and outlines eligibility and application guidelines.
Section 2 amends the environmental conservation law by adding a new
section 37-0125 to establish a PFAS removal treatment maintenance rebate
program, detailing the program's purpose, eligibility requirements,
application guidelines, and procedural requirements for the commission-
er. There is also a public awareness mandate for the Department to
publish information about the program online for public access.
Section 3 states the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Numerous studies have demonstrated links between Perfluoroalkyl and
Poly-fluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, and adverse health
outcomes. According to the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and
Disease Registry (ATSDR), PFAS exposure may lead to high cholesterol
levels, liver damage, and an increased risk of high blood pressure in
pregnant women.(1)
PFAS have been detected in private wells across New York State2, illus-
trating the need for many well owners to install filtration systems.
Although there are many effective options available, some property
owners are deterred by the high cost of PFAS testing and installation of
filtration units. In 2022, New Hampshire began allowing private well
users to apply for a rebate to install PFAS filtration systems. New York
must follow suit in order to remove barriers for well users to protect
themselves from the harmful effects of PFAS.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2023-2024: S7934/A9260 - Died in Finance/Died in Environmental Conserva-
tion
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
(1) https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/ health-effects/index.html
(2) https://www.health.ny.govienvironmentaliwateddrinking/ pfasinpri-
vatewells.htm