NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A6652
SPONSOR: Englebright TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to the
protection of certain streams
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
This act will reclassify class C waterways as streams for the purpose of
protection.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds waterways classified as "C" to the definition of streams.
JUSTIFICATION:
Class "C" waterways, which are waters designated to support fisheries
and non-contact activities like boating and fishing, are not currently
afforded the protection that is provided to Class A and B streams. These
waterways provide critical natural habitat for fish like trout, ground-
water and aquifer recharge, recreational fishing and boating, flood
control, and filter harmful pollutant. If protected, more than 40 thou-
sand miles of Class C streams would receive the same regulatory over-
sight for Class A and B Streams including the requirement to have a
permit for any disturbance.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2018: A10151 3rd Reading, Cal 248
2019-20: A8349 Passed Both Houses, Veto Memo 60
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS:
No cost to the state.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
90 days after the bill becomes law.
