N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 8-0101

§ 8-0101. Purpose.\n It is the purpose of this act to declare a state policy which will\nencourage productive and enjoyable harmony between man and his\nenvironment; to promote efforts which will prevent or eliminate damage\nto the environment and enhance human and community resources; and to\nenrich the understanding of the ecological systems, natural, human and\ncommunity resources important to the people of the state.\n