Public Health News: State Wide

Harmful algal blooms have been on the rise in bodies of water across New York State—arriving earlier in the year, sticking around later, and blooming more severely. New York State is taking the threat of HABs very seriously and has been working to both better understand the causes of HABs and develop better techniques for combating them.

The State Legislature recently passed several of our priority bills that will improve water quality, protect natural areas, remove toxins from our environment, and encourage clean transportation.

Two recent UN reports indicate that the world’s ecosystems and climate are already undergoing dramatic change, and that parties to the Paris Agreement have failed to halt greenhouse gas emission growth.

Many towns in New York State are currently suffering from harmful algal blooms. In order to combat them, the Department of Environmental Conservation is using monitoring technology developed by the U.S. Geological Survey to detect HABs early.

Legislation geared towards PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane contamination passed with near-unanimous support in both chambers of the State Legislature late last month positioning New York as a national leader in addressing both contaminants.

Last week, the State Senate and Assembly both overwhelmingly passed the Child Safe Products Act (A06296-A/S. 501-B) - also known as the Toxic Toys bill, a long overdue step forward in protecting our children’s health and our environment.