Governor Hochul’s veto of my commonsense bill A.1890 is deeply disappointing. The narrow reasoning of the Governor’s veto ignores the dramatic change in the climate crisis and the bio-diversity crisis that has erupted in the 10-20 years since people signed on to following HOA rules. This legislation would have ensured that every New Yorker has the freedom to choose environmentally responsible landscaping for their own yard. Today, HOAs can still force homeowners to replace native plants, vegetable or rain gardens, and other eco-friendly options with resource-intensive turfgrass. Turfgrass demands pesticides and heavy watering, while offering no habitat for pollinators already in crisis.

As more New Yorkers are trying to find ways that they can personally participate in addressing these twin emergencies, it is regrettable that the veto will deny so many people the opportunity to engage in healthful alternatives and environmentally sound practices. This bill simply affirmed a homeowner’s freedom to make environmentally conscious choices for their property. Instead of standing in their way, we should be helping New Yorkers make greener, community-level changes that move our state closer to meeting our goals. Additionally, low impact landscaping can serve to protect property from the effects of increasingly heavy rain events that cause local flooding, by absorbing excess water where it runs off turfgrass and carries with it contaminants.

I look forward to seeing how the Governor’s forthcoming climate initiatives will empower New Yorkers to take practical actions similar to what this bill would have supported.