NY A00281

Establishes the "New York State Public Health Protection Act" declaring that lack of full scientific certainty shall not prevent state or local government from taking precautionary measures to protect public health or the environment where threats of harm exist.

Requires state and local agencies to implement a precautionary approach to decision-making based on five criteria: anticipatory action to prevent harm, right to know about potential impacts, alternatives assessment, full-cost accounting, and participatory decision processes.

Mandates agencies to issue written findings before proposing or approving actions with significant effects on public health or environment, certifying consistency with precautionary criteria or justifying any inconsistencies as impracticable.

Creates a 17-member Precautionary Policy Planning Council appointed by the Governor, Senate President, and Assembly Speaker, including commissioners of environmental conservation, health, and economic development, plus representatives from local government, public health, environmental, manufacturing, business, academic, and disease survivor organizations.

Directs the Council to provide guidance on implementation, monitor agency compliance, develop alternatives assessment guidelines, report to the Governor and Legislature biennially on implementation effectiveness, and meet at least five times annually.