Prohibits the department of environmental conservation from issuing or authorizing any permits to new or expanding large concentrated animal feeding operations

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jabari Brisport

Prohibits the NY DEC from issuing or authorizing permits for new or expanding large CAFOs, halting growth and shaping impacts on farmers, communities, and the environment.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Overview

S.6530 is a bill introduced on March 17, 2025, that would bar the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) from issuing or authorizing permits for new or expanding large concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). The primary sponsor is Jabari Brisport. The bill has a companion in Assembly, A.6928.

Purpose and intent

The central aim is to restrict the growth of large CAFOs by preventing the DEC from granting permits necessary to establish or enlarge such facilities.

By limiting DEC permitting authority for these operations, the bill seeks to address environmental and community concerns often associated with CAFOs, such as water quality, air quality, odor, and resource use.

Key provisions (as stated in the bill description)

Prohibition: The DEC would be prohibited from issuing or authorizing any permits to new CAFOs or to existing CAFOs that seek to expand.

Scope: The prohibition applies specifically to new or expanding large CAFOs. Details on what constitutes “large” or “CAFO” would be defined in the bill text (not provided in the summary).

Implementation: The summary does not specify enforcement mechanisms, penalties, or timelines for compliance beyond the stated prohibition.

Who would be affected

CAFO developers and operators seeking to establish new facilities or expand existing large CAFOs.

The DEC, whose permitting authority would be constrained for the defined category of operations.

Potentially affected communities and surrounding ecosystems in areas where CAFOs might have been proposed or expanded.

Related stakeholders in agriculture, environmental groups, and local governments who interact with CAFO permitting decisions.

Status and procedural notes

Status: Referred to the Environmental Conservation committee.

Introduced: March 17, 2025.

Legislative actions recorded: Referred to Environmental Conservation (noted twice in the provided actions; typically indicates placement in committee for consideration).

Sponsors: Jabari Brisport (primary). Related companion bill in the Assembly: A.6928.

Potential impact and considerations

Environmental impact: If enacted, could reduce potential CAFO-related environmental pressures (e.g., water and air quality concerns) by limiting facility growth.

Economic impact: May affect farmers and promoters of CAFOs seeking to expand; potential implications for rural economies and agricultural practices.

Regulatory clarity: The bill’s definitions (what qualifies as “large CAFO”) and any associated exemptions or transition rules will be critical in determining practical effects.

Notes for readers

The summary reflects information available in the bill overview. For a complete understanding, review the full bill text to see definitions, any exceptions, penalties, and detailed implementation provisions.

The companion bill in the Assembly (A.6928) may provide parallel or differing language and provisions.

Bill