New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

New York Senate Bill S09311

Introduced
2/27/26  
Refer
2/27/26  
Engrossed
4/28/26  

Caption

Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay; imposes a five-year moratorium on placing sediment or fill in the borrow pits in Jamaica Bay.

Impact

The bill imposes a strict five-year moratorium on placing any sediment or fill within the borrow pits of Jamaica Bay, aiming to prevent any potential ecological damage during the research period. This step clearly demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing ecological integrity while the critical data regarding the area's ecological health is gathered. By temporarily halting sediment management activities, the state aims to protect fish populations and broader marine life in the bay, which may have faced adverse effects from previous practices.

Summary

Bill S09311 directs the New York Department of Environmental Conservation to conduct a comprehensive study aimed at assessing the ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay. This study is expected to encompass various aspects such as a detailed mapping of the borrow pits, evaluation of the ecological service quality at different depths, and analysis of fin fish populations seasonal variations. The findings of this study will play a critical role in shaping future environmental policies concerning Jamaica Bay's restoration efforts.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from environmental advocacy groups concerned with the health of Jamaica Bay, there may be points of contention around the moratorium and its implications for local industries that might rely on sediment management practices. Critics may argue that the moratorium could affect construction and dredging efforts, which can have economic impacts. Overall, the bill, while focusing on ecological restoration, has the potential to incite debate concerning the balance between environmental stewardship and economic activities in the area.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NY S01126

Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay; imposes a five-year moratorium on placing sediment or fill in the borrow pits in Jamaica Bay.

NY A03398

Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study of ecological restoration needs of Jamaica Bay; imposes a five-year moratorium on placing sediment or fill in the borrow pits in Jamaica Bay.

NY A10179

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority and the New York city transit authority to rename the Jamaica Center- Parsons/Archer subway station to the Jamaica Center- Parsons/ Archer York College Jamaica station.

NY S09121

Directs the metropolitan transportation authority and the New York city transit authority to rename the Jamaica Center- Parsons/Archer subway station to the Jamaica Center- Parsons/ Archer York College Jamaica station.

NY S07410

Directs the department of environmental conservation to conduct a study on retrofitting certain schools located within 500 feet of a major highway.

NY HR965

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the City of Jamaica Beach.

NY HR1184

Jamaica/Caribbean Diaspora; extraordinary humanitarian response and valiant efforts to provide disaster relief to residents of Jamaica following the landfall of Hurricane Melissa on October 28, 2025; commend

NY S07574

Directs the department of environmental conservation to develop and implement a tree planting pilot program in the ten zip codes in the state with the highest incidence of asthma.

NY A11168

Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage black sea bass.

NY S10040

Extends the authority of the department of environmental conservation to manage black sea bass.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.