Relates to composting facilities in state parks

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ron Kim and 1 co-sponsor

Allows composting facilities in state parks if they do not harm park environment or integrity.

REFERRED TO CULTURAL AFFAIRS, TOURISM, PARKS AND RECREATION

Bill Overview

Title: Relates to composting facilities in state parks

Jurisdiction: New York

Sponsor: Assemblymember Ron Kim (primary); co-sponsor noted

Session: 2025-2026

Introduced: April 14, 2026

Committee: Tourism, Parks, Arts and Sports Development

Status: Referred to the committee; take effect immediately if enacted

Purpose and Intent

The bill amends the Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Law to explicitly authorize composting facilities within state parks, provided that such facilities do not harm the park’s natural environment or integrity.

The underlying goal is to expand options for on-site organic waste management in state parks while safeguarding environmental quality.

Key Provisions

New Authority for Composting Facilities (Subdivision 25, Section 3.09):

Adds a new subdivision to the existing law.
Permits the operation of composting facilities within state parks.
Conditions for approval hinge on ensuring that the facility does not harm the natural environment or the integrity of the park.

Effective Date: The act would take effect immediately upon enactment.

Who/What Is Affected

State Parks and Park Management: Authorized to permit composting facilities on park land, subject to environmental safeguards.

Visitors and Park Users: Potential benefits from improved waste management options and possibly enhanced park sustainability; any operational changes would be guided by park administrators and project approvals.

Environmental Resources: Provisions emphasize protection of natural environments and park integrity, signaling a focus on minimizing ecological impact.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

Implementation: Immediate effectiveness if enacted, meaning state parks could begin permitting composting facilities without a lengthy transitional period.

Approval Process: While not detailed in the text, the facility approval would logically involve park authorities evaluating environmental impact and compliance with the new standard (i.e., “does not harm the natural environment or integrity of the park”).

Remarks

The bill is narrowly tailored to authorize composting facilities, balancing expansion of sustainable waste management with environmental safeguards.

No funding provisions, regulatory standards, or permit procedures are specified in the text provided; these would likely be addressed in subsequent regulations or agency guidance if the bill progresses.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to existing rules governing waste management in New York state parks or outline potential environmental review considerations and permit requirements that may arise during implementation.

Bill