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Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
A person is guilty of endangering public health, safety or the environment in the first degree when:
1. He intentionally engages in conduct which causes the release of a substance acutely hazardous to public health, safety or the environment or the release of a substance which at the time of the conduct he knows to meet any of the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section 37-0103 of this chapter when he is aware that such conduct creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime; or
2. He or she knowingly engages in conduct which causes the release of a substance acutely hazardous to public health, safety or the environment or the release of a substance which at the time of the conduct he or she knows to meet any of the criteria set forth in paragraph (b) of subdivision one of section 37-0103 of this chapter and such release causes physical injury to any person who is not a participant in the crime;
3. With intent to dispose of an acutely hazardous substance, he or she intentionally engages in conduct that causes the unlawful disposal or release of an acutely hazardous substance on any property.
Endangering public health, safety or the environment in the first degree is a class C felony.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - New York Consolidated Laws, Environmental Conservation Law - ENV § 71-2714. Endangering public health, safety or the environment in the first degree - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/environmental-conservation-law/env-sect-71-2714/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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