New York State lawmakers and labor unions are increasing pressure on Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign a long-awaited prevailing wage mandate for brownfield remediation projects. During a press conference at the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) 137 Training Center in Montrose, Sen. Pete Harckham, Assemblymember Harry Bronson and a broad coalition of labor leaders emphasized that environmental cleanup work funded by public dollars must include fair compensation for workers.
The proposed legislation (S.5379 / A.4914), which passed with bipartisan support, would require developers to pay prevailing wages on private-sector brownfield remediation projects costing more than $5 million, provided at least 30% of the funding comes from public sources such as tax credits.
Harckham, who introduced the measure in the Senate, made clear that worker safety and job quality cannot be compromised. “The hazardous work of removing dangerous pollutants and materials during brownfields cleanups needs professional attention from experienced workers who deserve the prevailing wage for their efforts,” he said. “When it comes to ensuring these kinds of protections, there can be no cutting corners or skimping.”
Bronson, sponsor of the Assembly bill, added that the legislation is about accountability and public health. “Brownfield remediation is dangerous work, which requires the use of a highly trained and specialized workforce,” he said. “This legislation… will ensure remediation work is done properly and safely by fairly paid, qualified professionals to safeguard taxpayer dollars and public health.”
Other lawmakers echoed the urgency. “This common sense, bipartisan legislation will bring good union jobs to our communities, keep workers safe, and create healthier communities,” said Sen. Shelley B. Mayer, while Sen. Rob Rolison noted that the bill would “drive economic growth, and create good-paying jobs for our communities.”
Assemblymember Dana Levenberg stressed that tax credits must come with responsibility. “Tax credits are public funds, and any project benefiting from public funds should be held to the highest standards. That includes prevailing wage standards.”
Union leaders emphasized that the bill is not just about fairness — it’s about completing projects safely and efficiently. “Prevailing wages help protect workers and community residents,” said Jeff Loughlin of the IUOE Local 137. “It is time for the Governor to sign this important safety legislation into law.”
John Cooney of the Construction Industry Council dismissed arguments that wage requirements drive up costs, calling it “a false narrative that prevailing wages exponentially increase costs.”
According to supporters, every $1 spent on prevailing wage returns $1.50 to the local economy, bolstering small businesses and municipalities.
If enacted, the policy would close a major loophole left by the 2022 prevailing wage law — which exempted brownfield sites despite their high hazard levels and significant taxpayer subsidies. Lawmakers say this bill ensures that New York’s environmental cleanup strategy aligns with its workforce protection goals.
Now, all eyes are on Governor Hochul, who has yet to indicate whether she intends to sign the bill.
Originally reported by Pete Harckam in The New York Senate.
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