Authorizes the commissioner of parks, recreation and historic preservation to permit composting facilities at state parks when such facility does not harm the natural environment or integrity of the park, and provided that such facilities shall comply with relevant codes, rules and regulations relating to composting facilities.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A9344A
SPONSOR: O'Donnell TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to composting facilities in state parks
PURPOSE:
Allows composting facilities at state parks.
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 amends the state parks law by adding a new subdivision 24.
Section 2 permits composting facilities at state parks so long as such a
composting facility does not harm the natural environment or integrity
of the park and comply with relevant codes rules and regulations
relation to composting faculties.
Section 3 states the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
28 percent of waste deposited in landfills can be composted according to
the Environmental Resilience Institute at Indiana University. This waste
leads to increased emissions of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. By
allowing composting facilities in state parks, we can divert organic
waste from landfills, curbing methane emissions and reducing strain on
waste management systems. The resulting nutrient-rich compost enhances
soil fertility, contributing to healthier park ecosystems and supporting
local agriculture.
Furthermore, composting facilities provide invaluable educational oppor-
tunities. Park visitors and local communities can learn about
composting's ecological significance, waste reduction, and sustainable
practices through interactive experiences and informational programs.
This fosters environmental awareness and encourages active participation
in conservation efforts.
Allowing composting facilities within New York State Parks aligns with
the state's commitment to sustainability, environmental protection, and
community involvement. As recommended from the Climate Leadership and
Community Protection Act Scoping plan, this legislation would simply
allow for composting at state parks with the protection that no such
process harms the environment or integrity of the park. By embracing
composting facilities, New York can set an example for other regions and
further demonstrate its dedication to a greener, more sustainable
future.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
This is a new bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.
STATE OF NEW YORK
________________________________________________________________________
9344--A
IN ASSEMBLY
March 6, 2024
___________
Introduced by M. of A. O'DONNELL -- read once and referred to the
Committee on Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development -- committee
discharged, bill amended, ordered reprinted as amended and recommitted
to said committee
AN ACT to amend the parks, recreation and historic preservation law, in
relation to composting facilities in state parks
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assem-bly, do enact as follows:
1 Section 1. Section 3.09 of the parks, recreation and historic preser-
2 vation law is amended by adding a new subdivision 24 to read as follows:
3 24. Permit composting facilities at state parks when such composting
4 facility does not harm the natural environment or integrity of the park,
5 and provided that such facilities shall comply with relevant codes,
6 rules and regulations relating to composting facilities.
7 § 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[] is old law to be omitted.
LBD13156-02-4
