During the stated meeting of the New York City Council, held on Thursday, March 26, Council Member Phil Wong announced his first introduction of four bills that address heat mitigation, light pollution, wildlife management and plastic waste reduction across the five boroughs.

The four bills — Intro 803, Intro 804, Intro 805 and Intro 806 — aim to shield the environment from harmful pollution, improve living standards for heat-vulnerable communities and protect wildlife, improving public safety for residents.

The first bill, Intro 803, is focused on banning the sale and distribution of plastic confetti, including those with a metallic coating. Because the material is non-biodegradable, it can persist in the environment for years, polluting streets and clogging drains. Once in effect, the bill would encourage the use of decomposable alternatives.

Under the proposed legislation, a fourth violation — or any subsequent violation after the fourth — would result in a $350 civil penalty. If passed, Intro 803 will go into effect on December 31, 2026.

The second bill, Intro 804, seeks to limit excessive outdoor lighting in residential areas by requiring shield fixtures with more than 3,000 lumens. The move would reduce light pollution and neighborhood disturbances. In addition, violators of the legislation receive a $50 civil penalty.

The third bill, Intro 805, creates a cool pavements pilot program at recreational spaces in neighborhoods most affected by heat-related conditions. Implementing the material would help reduce temperatures and increase comfort.

Following its passage, the Department of Parks (DPR), the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Office of Long-Term Sustainability would be required to conduct a study and pilot program. The DPR would then share the results online and “submit it to the Mayor [Zohran Mamdani] and the Speaker of the Council [Julie Menin] no later than October 1, 2029,” according to the Details section.

The fourth bill, Intro 806, establishes a Wildlife Management Advisory Board to create a citywide plan that protects wildlife while preserving public safety. Along with a management plan, the advisory board would analyze related issues and recommend policies that advance humane animal treatment.

The Department of Parks and Recreation would then release an annual report with updates on wildlife management issues, reinforcing accountability for actions that affect non-domesticated animals.

The co-sponsors for the newly introduced bills are Farah N. Louis of Brooklyn (Intros 803, 804, 805 and 806) and Frank Morano of Staten Island (Intros 803, 805 and 806).

Wong, who represents the neighborhoods of Ridgewood, Middle Village, Glendale, Maspeth, Elmhurst and Rego Park, presented his first legislation proposals to address the shared concerns of locals. Looking ahead, Wong asserted his continued objective to prioritize common-sense leadership in the law-making process.

“This is just the beginning,” said Wong in a press release. “I’m proud to introduce my first pieces of legislation focused on improving quality of life in our communities, and there’s much more to come as we continue working to deliver practical, common-sense solutions for New Yorkers.”

As of press time, the Committee on Parks and Recreation will review Intros 805 and 806 on Wednesday, April 1, while the Committee on Environmental Protections and Waterfronts will take up Intro 804. The bills could advance to a vote by the City Council.