New York Environmental
Practice Questions & Answers (2026)
Environmental questions on the New York exam cover both federal environmental laws and New York-specific disclosure requirements. Federal topics include lead-based paint (pre-1978 housing), asbestos, radon, underground storage tanks, and CERCLA liability. New York has additional state-level environmental disclosure requirements enforced by the New York Department of State (DOS) — including New York-specific environmental conditions that affect property use and disclosure. Environmental questions trip up candidates who studied only federal law without reviewing the NY-specific overlay.
New York Exam Study Resources
Everything you need to pass — in one place.
New York Environmental — Practice Questions & Answers
104 questions on Environmental from the New York real estate question bank. First 10 are free — sign up to unlock all 104.
Q1. The New York State agency responsible for environmental regulation and remediation is:
Explanation
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is the primary state agency responsible for environmental regulation, including oversight of brownfield remediation and pollution control.
Q2. A 'brownfield' site in New York is best described as:
Explanation
A brownfield is a formerly developed or industrial site where reuse or redevelopment may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of environmental contamination. New York has a Brownfield Cleanup Program administered by the DEC.
Q3. Lead-based paint disclosure is required for the sale or lease of residential properties built before:
Explanation
Federal law (TSCA and HUD regulations) requires disclosure of known lead-based paint hazards in residential properties built before 1978, when lead paint was banned for residential use.
Q4. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that enters homes primarily:
Explanation
Radon is a colorless, odorless gas produced by the natural decay of uranium in soil and rock. It enters buildings primarily through cracks and gaps in the foundation from the soil below.
Q5. Asbestos in a residential property poses the greatest health risk when:
Explanation
Asbestos poses the greatest risk when it is disturbed (friable) and releases microscopic fibers into the air, which can be inhaled and cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Q6. CERCLA (Superfund) is a federal law that:
Explanation
CERCLA (Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act), known as Superfund, provides a framework for the cleanup of sites contaminated with hazardous substances and establishes liability for responsible parties.
Q7. A real estate agent is asked about a nearby Superfund site by a potential buyer. The agent should:
Explanation
A real estate agent must disclose known material facts, including proximity to a Superfund or contaminated site that could affect the property's value or desirability. The agent should also recommend the buyer conduct their own due diligence.
Q8. An environmental site assessment's Phase I includes:
Explanation
A Phase I Environmental Site Assessment (ESA) consists of reviewing historical records, conducting a site walk-through, and interviewing owners/occupants to identify Recognized Environmental Conditions (RECs) — without physical sampling or laboratory testing.
Q9. Urea-formaldehyde foam insulation (UFFI) is significant in real estate because:
Explanation
UFFI was widely used in the 1970s but was banned by the Consumer Product Safety Commission in 1982 for residential use due to concerns about formaldehyde off-gassing. Its presence must be disclosed in real estate transactions.
Q10. Which of the following is TRUE about mold disclosure in New York residential transactions?
Explanation
Known mold conditions are material facts that agents and sellers must disclose to prospective buyers in New York. While NY does not have a mold-specific disclosure statute for all transactions, material facts must be disclosed under general principles and the PCDA.
Q11. Underground Storage Tanks (USTs) are a concern in real estate transactions primarily because:
94 more Environmental questions
Create a free account to unlock all 104 New York Environmental questions with full explanations.
Free account · No credit card · Instant access to 25 questions
Ready to take the full exam? Start free.
25 free questions · No signup · Instant access to all New York topics