BILL NUMBER: S7410
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act directing the department of environmental conservation to commis-
sion a comprehensive study on the retrofitting needs of schools located
within 500 feet of major highways to mitigate exposure to harmful air
pollution
 
PURPOSE:
To assess the technical feasibility and cost of retrofitting public and
charter schools located within 500 feet of major highways to reduce
student exposure to harmful traffic-related air pollution.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 directs the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), in
consultation with the Department of Education, to commission a study
examining retrofitting needs of schools situated within 500 feet of
major highways.
Section 2 outlines the components of the study, including:
(a) Evaluating air filtration and ventilation systems;
(b) Assessing building envelope integrity;
(c) Conducting feasibility analyses of retrofits;
(d) Estimating both school-level and statewide costs for necessary
upgrades.
Section 3 requires DEC to report findings, recommendations, and cost
estimates to the Governor, Assembly Speaker, and Senate Temporary Presi-
dent within one year.
Section 4 provides for the immediate effectiveness of the act.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
In NY, more students attend schools near major highways than any other
state in the nation. More than 375 schools are within 500 feet of high-
traffic corridors, and 88% of them serve predominantly Black and brown
students. Students of color are 11 times more likely to attend a school
near a major roadway compared to their white counterparts. However, New
York only
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Approximately $150,000 for the commissioning of the comprehensive study.
Funding is anticipated through the Environmental Bond Act's capital
allocations for disadvantaged communities.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.