Hochul rejects animal crossing legislation

Albany, New York – The Wildlife Crossing Act of New York was vetoed by Governor Kathy Hochul. Based on studies that would have been commissioned to determine the most hazardous roadways in New York, the measure would have mandated that the state construct means for animals to cross the road.

S4198B/A4243B, according to lawmakers and environmental organizations, would enhance public safety and preserve biodiversity by lowering the number of vehicle collisions involving animals such as moose, bears, turtles, and snakes. Additionally, it could have been used as leverage to secure a portion of the more than $350 million in federal monies designated for projects such as these through the Infrastructure and Jobs Act.

The proposal mandated that the Thruway Authority and the Department of Transportation develop a top ten list of highway locations that are high-risk for wildlife collisions. Hochul criticized the law for being an unfunded obligation, despite the fact that it had bipartisan support and passed both parliamentary chambers in the spring of 2024.

As part of a larger veto of 29 measures, the governor rejected the bill, claiming that the total cost would be approximately $24 million. “These unbudgeted expenses would result in major staffing and other programmatic burdens on state agencies in the absence of adequate funding,” Hochul stated.

Hochul stated that in order to further the objectives of the laws she vetoed, she would collaborate with state authorities. The bill would be “more appropriately considered in the context of the state budget process,” she insisted.

“This is important legislation both in terms of preserving biodiversity in our state and preventing vehicle/wildlife accidents,” expressed Assemblymember Robert Carroll, who co-sponsored the bill with State Senator Leroy Comrie, as he expressed disappointment. It would put the state in a better position to benefit from the Federal Infrastructure and Jobs Act’s wildlife crossing funding.
I will keep pushing for what I believe to be sound environmental policy in spite of this setback.

The Adirondack Council expressed similar worries, highlighting the need to immediately mitigate the impact of development on natural migration patterns as well as the increasing threats that transportation poses to both people and animals. Crossings for wildlife are essential for protecting habitats and preparing for climate change. Additionally, they would back New York’s 30×30 project, which aims to conserve 30% of water and land by 2030.

According to Adirondack Council Executive Director Raul Aguirre, “This bill was a win-win for wildlife and for the personal safety and health of New Yorkers across the state, especially in the Adirondacks and the North Country.” “On this matter, New York ought to take the lead.”

Urbanization causes habitat fragmentation, which restricts animals and exacerbates environmental harm brought on by warmer temperatures and greater precipitation, according to New York’s Climate Impacts Assessment. Wildlife crossings, such as tunnels and overpasses, link endangered species without endangering them.

Additionally, crossings save money over time by averting mishaps and lowering cleanup expenses. Approximately 65,000 crashes involving deer occur each year, causing millions of dollars in damages, injuries, and time for first responders. Carroll’s office cited research showing a 92% decrease in animal-related collisions following construction, and states like Colorado and California had effectively used federal funds for crossings.

“New York can still qualify for those federal funds to carry out this work,” Aguirre stated in spite of the veto. “The [Department of Transportation] and Thruway Authority can incorporate the need to fund those studies into the language they include in their budget requests to the legislature.”