New York’s Landmark Water Testing Law Hinges on State Health Department
The law leaves key decisions to an agency with a history of dragging its feet on implementing water quality legislation.

This article was published in partnership with City & State.


This article has been corrected to note that the state Drinking Water Quality Council has only discussed recommending contamination levels for seven PFAS variants, rather than having made those recommendations, and that limits for PFOA and PFOS were formally adopted in 2020, not 2019. Environmental Advocates NY’s position on notification levels has also been clarified.
The rulings shed light on the leanings of Caitlin Halligan, the court’s newest judge and frequent tie-breaker.
While the United States Supreme Court seeks to restrict the government’s ability to regulate, the New York Court of Appeals is broadening it.
While Hochul considers a bill to pressure state contractors to stop deforestation, the massive food supplier is voicing concerns to her administration.
The prison department doesn’t track overdose deaths in its custody. A New York Focus analysis found that the overdose death rate has tripled.
Recent legislation has sought to rein in medical debt collection. But the bills don’t stop lawsuits in the first place — and some patients decline care out of financial concern.
The Sheriffs’ Association lobbied against a bill to provide medication for opioid addiction in jails. Since it passed, they’ve failed to evaluate thousands of people for treatment.
Hudson Valley legislators and advocates are urging the state to reject the double-digit hike, arguing it could illegally stick customers with the bill for the company’s own mess.
County and municipal economic development agencies play a key role in New York’s wind and solar buildout — but some say it’s not their job.
Climate watchers say the state can’t meet its renewable energy goals without overriding local opposition.