New York Environmental Legislation in 2018

In 2018, New York State enacted a Drug Take Back Act in response to environmental and public health concerns about improper disposal of unused drugs. Another enactment gave the Department of Health greater discretion in enforcement actions against landlords that do not take adequate action to abate lead paint. Other new laws tinkered with legislation enacted in 2017 to protect drinking water and to promote clean energy and energy storage. In addition, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo signed laws concerning farmland and pollinator protection. In New York City, a styrofoam ban went into effect on January 1st after courts rejected a challenge to city determinations underlying the prohibition. This annual survey reports on these developments and other environmental laws enacted in 2018.