BILL NUMBER: S9593
SPONSOR: SEPULVEDA
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the highway law, in relation to preventing an increase
in vehicular lane capacity of highways within certain areas
 
PURPOSE:
This bill enacts the "Stop Highway Community Harm Act" to prevent the
widening of state highways or the addition of new lanes within one
hundred feet of public housing developments located in communities with
high asthma emergency department rates.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 names the act the "Stop Highway Community Harm Act."
Section 2 amends Section 10 of the Highway Law by adding 'a new subdivi-
sion prohibiting the approval of final plans, specifications, or esti-
mates for state highway projects that would add width or lanes within
one hundred feet of a federal, state, or municipal housing project.
This restriction applies when the housing project is located in a zip
code where the three-year average asthma emergency department incidence
rate exceeds seventy per ten thousand residents, as determined by the
Department of Health.
Section 3 provides that the act shall take effect immediately.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
For decades, highway construction and expansion projects have dispropor-
tionately impacted low-income communities and residents of public hous-
ing. Many of these developments are located adjacent to major roadways,
exposing residents to higher levels of traffic pollution, noise, and
environmental hazards.
Vehicle emissions-including particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and
other pollutants-are strongly associated with increased rates of respir-
atory illness, particularly asthma. Communities already experiencing
elevated asthma rates should not face additional environmental burdens
from highway expansions that bring increased traffic and emissions even
closer to where residents live.
Public housing residents, including children, seniors, and individuals
with preexisting health conditions, are especially vulnerable to the
health effects of air pollution. Expanding highways near these develop-
ments exacerbates existing public health disparities and undermines
environmental justice goals.
This legislation ensures that state transportation planning considers
the health and well-being of residents in public housing communities.
By prohibiting highway widening projects within proximity to these
developments in areas already experiencing high asthma rates, the bill
helps prevent further harm and promotes healthier living environments.
 
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Legislation.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.