The Alliance's New York State Policy Program advances policies at the state level that support the common efforts and conservation goals of New York's land trust community. With the assistance of the New York Advisory Council, the Alliance works to build relationships with key partners in Albany, broaden political support for conservation initiatives and ensure that New York's 90 land trusts have a strong voice at the state capitol.
Submit a proposal to present at the New York Land Conservation Conference
Do you have land conservation experience you'd like to share? We're seeking presenters for the conference and invite you to submit a workshop proposal. Submit a proposal by Tuesday, Jan. 31.
Policy priorities
Issues & action
The IRS and U.S. Treasury Department has reduced deductions available to people who donate to charitable organizations and then receive state or local tax credits. This includes the donation of conservation easements.
Policy resources
Environmental Protection Fund
Established in 1993, the Fund is New York State’s dedicated source of funding for environmental programs that protect what we love about New York – our clean drinking water, our magnificent parks and our family farms. Environmental funding benefits every county in New York State. Environmental Protection Fund investments create jobs, reduce solid waste, prevent pollution, control invasive species, protect clean air and water, preserve community character, revitalize urban areas and connect people with the outdoors.
Environmental Bond Act
A $4.2 billion Bond Act is on the 2022 ballot. A broad coalition has formed to support this effort. A 2022 updated report by AECOM and Rebuild by Design analyzed the long-term economic benefits of investing $3 billion in projects that would help protect clean water, reduce pollution, conserve family farms and reduce local climate risks. The updated report found that the Bond Act would create 65,000 jobs and support $6.7 billion in project spending, findings that were applauded by environmental advocates and labor and industry leaders. Learn more about the coalition and the environmental and economic benefits of the Bond Act at cleanwaterandjobs.org
Conservation Easement Tax Credit
Enacted in 2006, the New York State Conservation Easement Tax Credit enables taxpayers whose land is restricted by a conservation easement to apply for an annual New York State income tax credit of up to 25% of the school district, county and town real estate taxes paid on the restricted land, up to an annual maximum of $5,000 per taxpayer. Both state residents and non-residents may be eligible to claim the tax credit. All conservation easements must be registered with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in order to claim the credit. Please visit the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance for forms and instructions.
