NY S02502

Department of Environmental Conservation, in consultation with New York City Emergency Management, must establish a sea level rise mitigation and adaptation plan for cities with populations of one million or more.

Plan shall identify land, facilities, and critical infrastructure affected by or vulnerable to sea level rise, flooding, and natural hazards using data from the sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation report, NYC Mayor's Office of Resiliency climate resilience master plan, and other relevant scientific reports.

Department must submit an annual sea level rise vulnerability and adaptation report to the governor, NYC mayor, and department of state within 90 days of completion, followed by public hearings in five different counties within 30 days.

Department is authorized to implement climate adaptation and mitigation projects beginning 180 days after report submission, including natural resiliency measures, wetland protection, facility relocation or retrofitting, and flood risk reduction.

Department must prioritize projects that benefit disadvantaged communities, minimize environmental and public health harm, respect indigenous rights, and are cost-effective, while consulting with labor unions and community organizations.