Relates to including comprehensive climate change risk analysis as part of every environmental assessment statement and requiring updates to rules and regulations regarding the state environmental quality review

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Robert Jackson

Bill S 6409 mandates comprehensive climate change risk analyses in environmental assessments, ensuring informed decision-making for state projects and protecting the environment.

REFERRED TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION

Summary of Bill S 6409

Bill Number: S 6409
Title: Relates to including comprehensive climate change risk analysis as part of every environmental assessment statement and requiring updates to rules and regulations regarding the state environmental quality review
Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation
Introduced: March 13, 2025
Classification: Bill

Purpose and Intent

Bill S 6409 aims to enhance the environmental assessment process in the state by mandating the inclusion of a comprehensive climate change risk analysis in every environmental assessment statement. The intent is to ensure that potential climate-related impacts are systematically evaluated and addressed in environmental decision-making processes.

Key Provisions

Climate Change Risk Analysis: The bill requires that all environmental assessment statements incorporate a thorough analysis of risks associated with climate change. This includes evaluating how climate change may affect the environment and the potential consequences of proposed projects.

Updates to Rules and Regulations: The bill mandates updates to existing rules and regulations governing the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process. This is intended to align the SEQR with current scientific understanding of climate change and its impacts.

Integration into Environmental Assessments: The comprehensive climate change risk analysis must be integrated into the existing framework of environmental assessments, ensuring that climate considerations are a standard part of the review process.

Affected Parties

State Agencies: Various state agencies involved in environmental assessments will need to adapt their processes to incorporate the new requirements outlined in the bill.

Project Developers: Individuals and organizations proposing projects that require environmental assessments will be affected, as they will need to conduct and submit climate change risk analyses as part of their applications.

Environmental Advocates: The bill is likely to be of interest to environmental advocacy groups, as it aims to strengthen the consideration of climate change in state environmental policy.

Procedural Aspects

Current Status: As of March 13, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee for further consideration.

Related Legislation: This bill is related to prior-session bills S 8435, S 1977, and S 5568, which may have addressed similar themes or issues regarding environmental assessments and climate change.

Conclusion

Bill S 6409 represents a significant step towards integrating climate change considerations into the environmental assessment process in the state. By requiring comprehensive risk analyses, the bill seeks to promote more informed decision-making that takes into account the long-term impacts of climate change on the environment and public health.