Assembly Announces SFY 2021-22 Budget Invests $1.84 Billion in Funding for the Environment, Including $300 Million for the Environmental Protection Fund

Speaker Carl Heastie and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Steve Englebright today announced that the enacted State Fiscal Year (SFY) 2021-22 Budget invests $1.84 billion in funding for the environment, including $300 million for the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).

“Fighting for a clean and safe environment has always been a priority for the Assembly Majority, said Speaker Heastie. "This year's enacted budget reflects our continued commitment to protecting our air and drinking water, supporting green initiatives to address climate change and preserving our great state's natural open spaces for all to enjoy.”

"The investments this year's budget makes in protecting our environment, reducing pollution and addressing climate change are not only vital to the health and well-being of all New Yorkers, but also to the recovery of our economy and the revitalization of tourism in our state," said Assemblymember Englebright.

Environmental Protection Fund

This year's enacted budget provides $300 million in funding, including:

• $19.5 million for municipal parks;
• $18 million for farmland protection;
• $16 million for Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquaria;
• $15.3 million to support municipal recycling;
• $1.55 million to address overuse in the Catskill and Adirondack Parks;
• $1 million for municipal electric-vehicle fast-chargers; and
• $250,000 for landfill closure impact planning.

"Restore Mother Nature" Environmental Bond Act (EBA)

The enacted budget includes a measure that will put the $3 billion "Restore Mother Nature" Environmental Bond Act on the ballot in the 2022 general election. If passed, the EBA will fund critical environmental restoration projects including reducing flood risk for vulnerable communities, investing in more resilient infrastructure, restoring fish and wildlife habitats and preparing New York to better withstand the impacts of climate change.

Natural Resources Damages (NRD) Funding

The budget provides $47.5 million for NRD. This year's funding will help ensure that all damages collected from the Northrop Grumman Corporation associated with the cleanup of their facility in Nassau County will be used to advance cleanup, water supply and aquifer protection projects directly associated with the plume.

Clean Water Infrastructure

This year's enacted budget provides $500 million to support New York State's clean water infrastructure.