BILL NUMBER: S6272
SPONSOR: BAILEY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act authorizing and directing the commissioner of environmental
conservation to conduct a study on food waste initiatives and to provide
recommendations based on the study's findings
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
Given the varied initiatives to reduce food waste across the state, this
bill seeks to evaluate what is working and what is not and come up with
recommendations to tackle this problem in New York State.
 
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one provides definitions.
Section two authorizes the commissioner to direct and conduct a study on
food waste initiatives throughout the state and requires relevant agen-
cies to provide the commissioner with information which may help
complete the commissioner's study.
Section three mandates that the commissioner submit a report on the
study to the governor and the legislature no later than 18 months after
the effective date of this act.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Americans waste about 40 percent of the food we purchase. Most of our
food waste ends up in a landfill where it produces methane, a potent
greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change. Wasting food also
wastes resources. Growing, packaging, transporting and refrigerating
food uses labor, water, energy, and other inputs. In addition, wasting
food wastes money. The average American throws out $690 worth of food at
home annually.
Across the country and internationally, several initiatives have been
put in place to reduce the amount of food waste. This study will help us
find what works best so that we can implement better policies in New
York State.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2019-20: Referred to Environmental Conservation
2021-22: Referred to Environmental Conservation
2023-24: Referred to Environmental Conservation
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
To be determined.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Immediately.