David Lombardo is reporting for the Times Union state lawmakers Feb. 5, took steps to block all requests to drill for oil and gas in the Atlantic Ocean off New York's coastline. The legislation is a direct response to the 2018 decision by President Donald Trump to lift the ban on off-shore drilling in federal waters that was put in place by President Barack Obama. Opponents of off-shore drilling believe the legislation's prohibition on leases in state-owned waters will effectively block the development of oil and gas drilling in federal waters. Last year, Gov. Andrew Cuomo formally requested the federal government exclude the state coastline from the offshore drilling plan, but the Trump administration has not responded to that request. Also on Feb. 5, the Assembly began the process of moving forward a constitutional amendment securing New Yorkers' right to "clean air and water, and a healthful environment." A constitutional amendment must be approved by successive legislatures and be approved by voters in a statewide referendum. Read the full story in the Times Union.