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History
- Referred to environmental conservation
- Referred to environmental conservation
Companion bill
The same bill in the other chamber. A bill becomes law when one version passes both houses and the governor signs it, so either number can carry it.
Relates to granting tidal wetland permits
In Assembly Committee · Rules · Sponsor Fred Thiele
Full text
The text isn't available here yet. Check nysenate.gov.
Sponsor's memo
BILL NUMBER:S4663
Title of bill
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to granting of tidal wetland permits
Purpose
Relates to the granting of tidal wetland permits.
Summary of provisions
Section 25-0403 of the Environmental Conservation Law is amended by adding three new subdivisions 4, 5 and 6 relating to tidal wetland permits
Justification
Tidal wetlands serve as critical habitat for countless species of birds, fish, shellfish and wildlife; act as natural buffers to protect the shoreline from erosion and coastal flooding; and, filter harmful pathogens, nutrients and toxics from land and stormwater runoff. Aside from their environmental and ecological value, tidal wetlands are of incredible economic importance.
Sadly, tidal wetlands in New York's Marine District are declining. While the New York Tidal Wetlands Act does protect NY's tidal wetlands, these vulnerable and fragile environments are now susceptible to different threats than those when the Act was first instituted. In fact, New York's Tidal Wetland Inventory Maps have not been updated since 1974.
It is important to require the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to fully evaluate tidal wetland migration pathways, sea level rise, coastal storms and climate change prior to issuing any tidal wetlands permit. We are already starting to see the effects of sea level rise and climate change on Long Island's wetlands. This mirrors a recommendation of the New York State Sea Level Rise Task Force.
Further, by limiting the life of a tidal wetland permit, we can ensure that subtle and drastic site conditions are incorporated into the implementation and extension of permits, with the intent to ensure that permitted activities do not directly or indirectly harm the health or extent of these important ecosystems.
Legislative history
2013-14: A.4837/S.3707
Fiscal implications
Minimal.
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.