NY S07913

Creates "Private Environmental Law Enforcement Act" allowing any person who has suffered or may suffer injury in fact to bring civil suits for injunctive and declaratory relief against violators of specified environmental laws, including hazardous waste disposal site remediation orders and violations of articles 15, 17, 19, 23, 24, 25, 27, 33, 37, and 40 of the Environmental Conservation Law.

Requires plaintiffs to provide 60 days' written notice by certified mail to the Department of Environmental Conservation commissioner, Attorney General, and alleged violators before commencing action, with exceptions for substantial and imminent environmental hazards.

Prevents private citizens from suing the state, its departments, agencies, or political subdivisions except in their capacity as pollution source owners/operators or persons responsible for hazardous waste site remediation.

Prohibits settlements exceeding costs, disbursements, reasonable expert witness and attorney fees to plaintiffs who lack standing except under this law; limits defendant fee awards to $10,000 maximum and only upon showing the action was frivolous.

Permits the Attorney General to intervene as a matter of right and to seek penalties; effective immediately for most cases but private citizens cannot sue municipalities until September 1, 2027.