BILL NUMBER: S7552
SPONSOR: KAVANAGH
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the state finance
law, in relation to establishing extended producer responsibility for
gas cylinders
 
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This bill would require producers of gas cylinders to be responsible for
collecting and recycling their products sold in New York in a manner
that is cost effective, environmentally responsible, and convenient for
consumers.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section one of the bill amends article 27 of the environmental conserva-
tion law by adding a new title 34 requiring producers of gas cylinders
to provide for the collection and recycling of their products.
Section 27-3401 of the new title sets forth definitions.
Section 27-3403 of the new title sets forth a disposal ban of gas cylin-
ders.
Section 27-3405 of the new title requires producers of gas cylinders
solid in the state to submit collection plans for the approval of the
Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Section 27-3407 of the new title specifies the responsibilities of
producers.
Section 27-3409 of the new title specifies the responsibilities of
retailers.
Section 27-3411 of the new title specifies the responsibilities of DEC.
Section 27-3413 of the new title establishes the gas cylinders steward-
ship advisory board.
Section 27-3415 of the new title specifies post-consumer requirements.
Section 27-3417 of the new title provides for penalties for failure to
comply.
Section 27-3419 of the new title provides rules and regulations.
Section two of the bill amends the state finance law by establishing the
gas cylinders extended producer responsibility fund.
Section three of the bill provides for the applicability of new title
34.
Section four of the bill sets forth the effective date.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Gas cylinders-commonly used for household cooking gas, industrial gases,
and medical applications-can pose serious risks if not managed responsi-
bly at the end of their lifecycle. Without a proper system in place,
discarded or abandoned cylinders may leak residual gases, contributing
to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The mishandling of
damaged or expired cylinders can lead to hazardous incidents such as
fires, explosions, or toxic exposure, posing significant threats to
health and safety. The implementation of an Extended Producer Responsi-
bility (EPR) program for gas cylinders is a necessary step toward ensur-
ing environmental sustainability and safety.
An EPR program for gas cylinders places the responsibility for post-con-
sumer management of gas cylinders on the producers, encouraging them to
ensure safe collection, reuse, recycling, or disposal of their product.
This not only mitigates environmental and safety risks, but also
supports a more circular economy by promoting the reuse of materials and
incentivizes better product design. An EPR program on gas cylinders will
not only reduce the burden on municipal systems, but also create new
opportunities for employment and innovation in waste management.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Minimal to the state, with the expectation that costs will be fully
covered by fees generated by the program.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S7552: 71-1701 environmental conservation law