NY A02044

Increases voting members of the water resources planning council from fifteen to seventeen and adds eight non-voting regional representatives, with new voting positions for the commissioner of human rights and additional gubernatorial appointees with expertise in environmental science/engineering and environmental justice.

Extends the term of gubernatorial-appointed members from four to five years and requires the council to establish eight regional non-voting positions representing New York City, Long Island, Lower Hudson Valley, Capitol Region, Upper Hudson and St. Lawrence River Watershed, Central New York, Southern Tier River basins, and Great Lakes Regional Watersheds.

Establishes new council duties including making recommendations on sustainable water resource management, ensuring fair and equitable distribution of public water resources, reviewing state and federal water laws and regulations, and incorporating environmental justice standards into agency decision-making.

Requires the council to develop a comprehensive statewide water resources management strategy by January 1, 2025, and every five years thereafter, with public hearings in each region and publication of strategies on agency websites within two weeks of adoption.

Mandates the council to submit an annual report to the governor and legislature on the status and quality of water resources in the state.