ALBANY (TNS) — Say goodbye to these tiny plastic containers of shampoo and physique lotion discovered in lots of lodge rooms. A invoice proscribing the usage of the bottles is amongst a bundle of environmental payments that Gov. Kathy Hochul signed final week.
“Local weather change and air pollution are two of probably the most severe points affecting New Yorkers’ well being and high quality of life,” Hochul stated in a press release after the invoice signing. “These items of laws will guarantee our state stays a nationwide chief, not solely within the combat for clear air and water, however in securing a cleaner, extra sustainable future for generations as properly.”
Eliminating the bottles, a supply of plastic waste, ought to give technique to inserting everlasting cleaning soap and lotion dispensers in lodge bogs, say supporters.
One other invoice establishes a listing of rising contaminants, which will likely be up to date each three years. These are unregulated chemical compounds that, primarily based on federal legislation, need to be thought-about for a brand new checklist of regulated substances that the EPA updates each 5 years.
By establishing a listing, the state will likely be higher positioned to manage these chemical compounds in the event that they present up in ingesting water provides.
Additionally authorised was the Soil Well being and Local weather Resiliency Act, which directs the Division of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, to undertake insurance policies to maximise soil well being and hopefully reduce down on the chemical compounds utilized in agriculture.
The Lead-Free Water in Faculties invoice reduces from 0.015 milligrams per liter to 0.005 milligrams per liter that degree at which motion should be taken for lead in class water provides. A part of this needs to be paid for by the state’s Clear Water Infrastructure Act and the brand new federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act.
For summer season camps, a brand new legislation prohibits pesticides on playgrounds or athletic fields on summer season camps.
One other invoice directs the state Well being Division to conduct a examine on the incidences of bronchial asthma in cities and cities having a inhabitants of greater than 90,000.
A bio-heating invoice establishes minimal ranges of bio-diesel used for heating. By July 2022 heating oil should comprise 5 p.c bio-diesel with the speed going to 10 p.c by July 2025. Switching to bio-heating gas reduces the emissions of a number of pollution and greenhouse gasses.
One invoice, which the governor did not publicize however was additionally signed, was a measure establishing a framework for cement-makers to have a look at methods of reducing their carbon footprint in the course of the manufacturing course of. Whereas drawing help of many environmentalists, some activists concern it might ultimately facilitate waste incineration at cement crops
(c)2021 the Occasions Union (Albany, N.Y.)
