Enacts the "Great Swamp Protection Act"

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham

Enacts the Great Swamp Protection Act to designate the swamp as protected, restrict development, and require oversight to safeguard habitat and water quality, with potential costs.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE

Overview

Bill Number: S 6728

Title: Enacts the "Great Swamp Protection Act"

Sponsor (Primary): Pete Harckham

Introduced: March 21, 2025

Status: Reported and Committed to Finance; initial referral to Environmental Conservation occurred on March 21, 2025; subsequent action on May 28, 2025 shows the bill advancing to the Finance Committee.

Related Bills (prior-session): S 9502, S 9220

Purpose and Intent

The bill’s title indicates a aim to protect a site referred to as the “Great Swamp.” Based on the information provided, the exact scope, designation, and protections intended by the act are not specified in the summary. The legislative history shows progression through committees, suggesting a consideration of environmental protection measures, regulatory framework, and potential fiscal implications.

Key Provisions (Not Specified in Provided Text)

The specific provisions, authorities, and regulatory changes are not included in the material provided. If enacted, typical elements in a “Protection Act” of this kind might include:

Designation of the Great Swamp as a protected area or subject to enhanced land-use protections
Restrictions on development, excavation, or other activities within designated boundaries
Provisions for enforcement, penalties, and compliance mechanisms
Requirements for state agency coordination (e.g., Department of Environmental Conservation) and local governments
Funding or financial mechanisms to support protection, monitoring, and stewardship

Note: These items are speculative in the absence of the bill’s actual text; the precise provisions would be detailed in the enacted statute and committee reports.

Affected Parties and Impacts

State Agency Roles: Likely involvement by environmental or natural resources agencies (e.g., DEC) for oversight, permitting, and enforcement.

Local and Property Interests: Potential impact on land-use decisions, development rights, and property around the Great Swamp.

Environmental Stakeholders: Possible increased protections for wildlife habitat, water quality, and ecosystem services associated with the swamp.

Fiscal Implications: As the bill advanced to the Finance Committee, there may be anticipated costs or savings requiring fiscal analysis.

Legislative History and Timeline

Introduced: March 21, 2025 (referred to Environmental Conservation)

May 28, 2025: Reported and Committed to Finance (twice listed in the actions shown)

The bill is part of ongoing consideration, with related prior-session proposals (S 9502, S 9220), indicating a continuing interest in Great Swamp protection measures.

Next Steps

If advanced by the Finance Committee and subsequently by both chambers, the bill would proceed to floor votes, potential amendments, and, if approved, reconciliation between houses and enactment. The exact timetable will depend on committee actions and legislative calendar.

If you’d like, I can tailor this further once the bill’s full text or committee reports are available, to specify exact provisions and fiscal impacts.

Bill