New York : 2025-2026 Regular Session : BILL A05476
Prohibits the intentional injection, release or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather or the intensity of sunlight.
Sponsor: Rep David DiPietro
Bill Details
Prohibits the intentional injection, release or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather or the intensity of sunlight.
GeoLawWatch Bill Summary
New York Assembly Bill 5476 would add section 19-330 to the Environmental Conservation Law, titled "Prohibition on Release of Certain Chemical Compounds."
The bill bans any intentional injection, release, or spread of chemicals, compounds, substances, or devices into the air in New York if the goal is to change temperature, weather, or sunlight levels.
The bill sets out the ban but does not include details about penalties, which agencies would enforce it, private legal actions, or how enforcement would work.
This broad ban encompasses chemicals, compounds, substances, and devices—including equipment that alters the atmosphere. The legislation targets explicitly intentional attempts to change temperature, weather, or sunlight, thereby excluding accidental effects.
History
Assembly bill A05476 was introduced in February 2025 and referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee, where it remained for the first session. On May 13, 2025, the committee "held for consideration" the bill—a procedural action indicating the committee decided not to advance it before the 2025 session ended in June. This typically signals either insufficient support, a need for further amendments, or a strategic delay.
When the 2026 session convened on January 7, the bill was re-referred to Environmental Conservation, essentially starting fresh in committee. This re-referral is standard procedure in New York's biennial system, but the fact that it was held rather than voted on or reported out in 2025 suggests the bill faces obstacles and will need renewed momentum to advance during the brief 2026 session, which runs only from January through mid-June.
- Fri 14 Feb 2025 referred to environmental conservation
- Tue 13 May 2025 held for consideration in environmental conservation
- Wed 07 Jan 2026 referred to environmental conservation
Consolidated Bill Text
5476
2025-2026 Regular Sessions
IN ASSEMBLY
February 14, 2025
Introduced by M. of A. DiPIETRO -- read once and referred to the Committee on Environmental Conservation
AN ACT to amend the environmental conservation law, in relation to prohibiting the release of certain chemical compounds into the atmosphere
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1.
The environmental conservation law is amended by adding a new section 19-330 to read as follows:
Section 19-330. Release of certain chemical compounds prohibited.
The intentional injection, release or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather or the intensity of sunlight is prohibited.
Section 2.
This act shall take effect immediately.