New York

States Leading The Way

With key leadership from Clean + Healthy and other allies, New York has proven to be a leader in demonstrating a commitment to protecting public health and the environment. New York’s history of toxic chemical exposure has turned it into the national leader it is today. Love Canal and Hoosick Falls were pivotal incidents in New York that spurred toxic chemical reform. The devastating contamination at Love Canal in the late 1970s led to strict regulations on hazardous waste disposal. Similarly, the discovery of PFOA contamination in Hoosick Falls’ water supply prompted legislative changes, including stricter regulations on emerging contaminants. The state continues to address the cumulative effects of exposure to multiple chemicals and to address chemicals of concern systematically.

New York Highlights

2023 – Restricted mercury in cosmetics products.
2022- Enacted a policy to address cumulative impacts of pollution sources in environmental justice communities and restricted PFAS chemicals in apparel and carpets.
2021 – Adopted a nation-leading bill that restricts the use of flame retardants in furniture, mattresses, and electronic displays.
2020 – Restricted PFAS chemicals in food packaging and firefighting foam.
2019 – Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers for harming public health and contaminating drinking water.

NYS Environmental Health & Justice Advocates Call for Action

During a 2023 advocacy day in Albany, New York, Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director at Clean+Healthy, joined other advocates in calling on the state to pass legislation that would protect communities from PFAS chemicals.

NYS Environmental Health & Justice Advocates Call for Action

During a 2023 advocacy day in Albany, New York, Sophia Longsworth, Campaign Manager at Clean+Healthy, joined other advocates in calling on the state to pass legislation that would protect communities from PFAS chemicals.