A new bipartisan law, the SIGH Act, restricts the construction of new schools within 500 feet of major highways in New York, with some exceptions. This measure aims to protect students from poor air quality near busy roads.
State Senator Rachel May emphasized the bill’s goal to address air quality concerns and space issues in crowded urban areas. She highlighted that schools near highways often see higher asthma rates and lower test scores among students.
The bill faced opposition due to space constraints in New York City but was amended to include air-quality control requirements for schools that must be built close to highways.
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