Authorizes the New York state environmental facilities corporation to award grants and loans to community water systems and non-community water systems for water quality projects that relate to the removal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Impact
The enactment of S08001 would significantly alter current public authorities law by allowing the Environmental Facilities Corporation to engage directly with non-public entities, which has not been standard practice in previous frameworks. The authority to award financial support for projects targeting the removal of PFAS signifies a proactive approach to managing public health risks associated with contaminated water sources. This law is expected to facilitate the necessary funding that local systems require to comply with state and federal regulations regarding water safety.
Summary
Bill S08001 is designed to empower the New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation to provide grants and loans specifically for community and non-community water systems to undertake water quality projects. The bill centralizes efforts to address the contamination of drinking water by perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are prevalent in various environmental contexts and are increasingly recognized for their harmful effects on human health and the environment. This initiative aligns with broader state efforts to enhance water safety and public health standards amidst growing concerns over water pollution.
Contention
While the focus on PFAS removal is largely welcomed by health and environmental advocates, some stakeholders have raised concerns about the bill's potential to create an uneven landscape among various water systems. Critics caution that the reliance on loans and grants could disadvantage smaller systems that may lack the infrastructure or capacity to compete for these funds. Additionally, the definition of eligible projects and the criteria for funding distribution may lead to disparities in outcomes among communities, particularly those that are economically disadvantaged.
Same As
Authorizes the New York state environmental facilities corporation to award grants and loans to community water systems and non-community water systems for water quality projects that relate to the removal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Authorizes the New York state environmental facilities corporation to award grants and loans to community water systems and non-community water systems for water quality projects that relate to the removal of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
Directs the department of environmental conservation to establish a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal treatment installation grant program, providing a one-time grant to private well users for the installation of PFAS treatment or service connection to a public water system; directs the department of environmental conservation to establish a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal treatment maintenance rebate program, providing a rebate to private well users for the maintenance of PFAS treatment equipment.
Directs the department of environmental conservation to establish a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal treatment installation grant program, providing a one-time grant to private well users for the installation of PFAS treatment or service connection to a public water system; directs the department of environmental conservation to establish a perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances removal treatment maintenance rebate program, providing a rebate to private well users for the maintenance of PFAS treatment equipment.
Establishes the New York state cooperative watershed management program within the department of environmental conservation under which watershed networks may apply for grants for watershed network development and watershed network professionalization, subject to appropriation of funds from the legislature.
Establishes the sustainable communities fund; authorizes grants to municipal corporations who meet certain requirements for eligible projects that incorporate smart growth principles or utilize climate resilient and environmentally friendly construction techniques.
Enacts the "Finger Lakes watershed stewardship act"; designates the department of health as the lead agency in governing watersheds of the eleven Finger Lakes that serve as a source of drinking water for surrounding communities; authorizes other state agencies to promulgate rules and regulations governing watersheds of the Finger Lakes that are not inconsistent with department of health rules and regulations.
Enacts the "Finger Lakes watershed stewardship act"; designates the department of health as the lead agency in governing watersheds of the eleven Finger Lakes that serve as a source of drinking water for surrounding communities; authorizes other state agencies to promulgate rules and regulations governing watersheds of the Finger Lakes that are not inconsistent with department of health rules and regulations.