Latest news with #MonicaR.Martinez
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
State senator introduces urgent bill to ban controversial farming tactic before it spreads — here's why experts say it can't wait
A newly proposed bill to ban octopus farming in New York state could put an end to the controversial practice before it can get off the ground — or out of the water, as the case may be. The bill, introduced in mid-April, is sponsored by Monica R. Martinez in the state Senate and by Tony Simone in the Assembly. If passed, the legislation would outlaw aquaculture that aims to raise any species of octopus for human consumption. It would also prohibit the business sale, possession, and transport of farmed octopuses in the state. While there are no such octopus farms in New York at present, the state would join California and Washington in preemptively banning the practice, according to World Animal News. In March 2023, the BBC reported that the world's first octopus farm had been proposed in Spain, to the great concern of scientists and animal advocates. The proposal raised a number of environmental and ethical concerns. For one, as WAN noted, because octopuses are carnivorous and "require a high volume of food, about three times their own body weight," overfishing for feed is a risk of commercially farming the creatures. Commercial farming practices could also introduce pollutants and otherwise disrupt delicate marine ecosystems, per WAN. The ethical questions involved are serious as well. Octopuses are curious, highly intelligent, exceptionally skilled creatures. In captivity, they're notorious for breaking out of aquarium tanks. The BBC reported that a 2021 study led to the animals "being recognised as 'sentient beings'" in the United Kingdom's Animal Welfare (Sentience) Act. Attempting to contain them in the sort of system typical of a commercial farm would likely border on cruelty and could lead to concerning behavior. The new bill comes after a pair of laws, also sponsored by Martinez, were passed by the NY legislature to restrict animal trafficking and assign stricter punishments for animal cruelty. If passed, the octopus farming ban would result in a daily fine of $1,000 per offense, according to WAN, and the fines would be collected by the Department of Environmental Conservation. The bill is still in its early stages. Next, it needs to pass through the Environmental Conservation Committee before ultimately it can be brought to votes in the Senate and the Assembly. Should the U.S. government ban all products tested on animals? Absolutely No way Only certain kinds of products Let each state decide Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
14-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Lawmakers press forward with controversial bill that may have big impact on grocery store shelves: 'We have our work cut out for us'
New York is moving forward with a groundbreaking bill that could reduce plastic waste across the state. The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act would require high-revenue businesses to reduce plastic use by 30% within 12 years. After that, at least 75% of all packaging, including paper and cardboard, must be recycled. The bill was initially intended to reach an Assembly vote in June 2024, but legislators ran out of time to push it through, reported lohud. Since then, "the special interests have really ramped up their opposition," said Judith Enck, the president of Beyond Plastic. "So, we have our work cut out for us this year." As of 2024, 67% of New Yorkers supported the bill, according to Siena College research. Supporters hope that the bill will cut down on litter from single-use plastics that wind up in streets, parks, and waterways. It could also mean fewer toxic chemicals from plastics contaminating soil and water supplies. Other states have advocated for similar waste-reducing legislation. A proposed law in New Jersey would prevent restaurants from providing single-use condiments and utensils with meals unless a customer asks for them. California lawmakers introduced a bill to ban disposable vapes. But New York's plastic reduction bill has been met with some criticism, with 22% of residents opposing it. The primary concern is that it could be costly to businesses and, therefore, increase consumer costs, reported the Business Council of New York State Inc. Some also worry that the bill could impact the availability of everyday items. Opposers have voiced support for alternatives. The Business Council of New York State Inc. has publicly backed the Affordable Waste Reduction Act, which proposes a state-managed recycling program funded by companies using plastic materials. The goal is to make compliance simpler for businesses and reduce the massive investment that PRIAA would require. "This approach strengthens New York's recycling infrastructure, keeps costs down for consumers, and supports a more sustainable future," said senator Monica R. Martinez, the bill's sponsor. Regardless of the route New York decides to take, the state is on a good path toward reducing plastic and waste. Should plastic grocery bags be banned nationwide? Absolutely No way Let each state decide I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. "It's past time the producers responsible for our excessive plastic waste take responsibility for its disposal," said senator Pete Harckham (@SenatorHarckhham) on X. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New York bill aims to help homeless people and their pets stay together
NEW YORK (PIX11) – A new state bill aims to expand access to co-sheltering, allowing homeless people and domestic abuse survivors to stay together with their pets during a housing crisis. Senate Bill S673, sponsored by New York state Sen. Monica R. Martinez, would establish the housing people and animals together grant program. More Local News 'The intent of this grant program is to aid in further reducing barriers to sheltered housing for people experiencing homelessness and victims of domestic violence with companion animals by providing funding assistance to organizations and municipal shelters that serve such populations,' the purpose of the bill read. Martinez is also sponsoring other animal-related bills, including bill S896, which requires New York's emergency management to include animal provisions to ensure pets are not left behind during disasters. Bill S1742 strengthens penalties for those who do not provide adequate shelter for dogs left outside in extreme weather, and bill S1743 allows SPCA officers to enforce animal cruelty laws. Matthew Euzarraga is a multimedia journalist from El Paso, Texas. He has covered local news and LGBTQIA topics in the New York City Metro area since 2021. He joined the PIX11 Digital team in 2023. You can see more of his work here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
