The New York Legislature convened on June 5, 2025, to discuss a significant bill aimed at amending the Environmental Conservation Law. The proposed legislation seeks to prohibit the use of oil and gas drilling fluids, brine, and flowback water on highways for any purpose, including deicing and dust suppression. This bill is a response to concerns regarding the potential health hazards associated with these substances.

During the session, lawmakers engaged in a detailed debate about the implications of the bill. The bill's sponsor emphasized that the legislation is designed to close regulatory gaps that allow potentially harmful fracking wastewater to be used on state roads. The sponsor highlighted that while high-volume fracking is banned in New York, there are still concerns about the use of fluids from non-fracking wells, which could contain toxic substances such as arsenic, barium, and lead.

Opponents of the bill raised concerns about the economic impact on local governments, arguing that the ban could lead to increased costs for municipalities that rely on these fluids for road maintenance. They pointed out that the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) currently regulates the use of these substances and questioned the necessity of an outright ban. Some lawmakers suggested that instead of prohibiting these fluids, the focus should be on enhancing testing and regulation to ensure safety.

The discussion also touched on the potential for alternative solutions, such as using beet juice or other environmentally friendly options for road treatment. Proponents of the bill argued that the health risks posed by the current practices justify the need for stricter regulations.

As the session concluded, the debate highlighted the tension between environmental protection and economic considerations for local governments. The outcome of this legislation could have significant implications for public health and local infrastructure funding in New York State. Further discussions and votes are expected as lawmakers continue to evaluate the bill's potential impact.