November 16, 2009

Welcome to Environmental Advocates of New York’s online newsletter from the State Capital, your source for environmental news. We update you every other week with insider news and observations carefully gleaned from the halls of the Capitol.

NEW YORK STATE LEGISLATURE MEETS IN "SPECIAL SESSION"
Governor Paterson called  lawmakers back to Albany last week to address New York’s growing budget deficit during a “special” Legislative Session.

Lawmakers managed to act on a few bills, but they didn’t come to agreement on the Governor’s Deficit Reduction Plan. The Gov’s plan still includes swiping $90 million of the state’s energy efficiency funds and cutting the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) by another $10 million.

The Senate Majority accepted the Governor’s raid on energy monies and added some language to weaken measures meant to reduce particulate pollution from state vehicles. But at least they rejected the EPF cut—and the public knows where the Senate Majority stands. The public hasn’t even seen the full text of the Governor’s plans to reduce the deficit. How’s that for transparency?

Somewhat surprisingly, agreement was reached on a solid energy efficiency bill. The legislation would give municipalities the authority to establish loan programs to finance the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency measures for property owners. And although this bill got hung up, it appears to be back on track to move this week.

It remains to be seen what else will pop up on the Senate’s agenda: climate change legislation or legislation to require the use of ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel. We expect the circus to return to town today and tomorrow and will be sure to let you know what happens next. 

Read more here, and here. 

And here, and here.

Click here to tell your representatives in Albany: Hands Off New York’s Energy Fund!  

NEW YORKERS HAVE THEIR (JUST) SAY (NO) AT FRACKING HEARINGS
The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) has been busy holding public comment sessions on the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement governing natural gas drilling in the Marcellus Shale Formation. 

Last week, sessions were held in New York City and outside Binghamton. Corning’s up next on November 18th. And State Senator Antoine Thompson held a roundtable discussion on the potential dangers of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking” for natural gas while he was in Albany last week. 

Speakers on both sides were passionate.  

As far as we’re concerned, the draft fails on several fronts. The entire document is based on the false assumption that the DEC has the staff and resources to implement the protections envisioned. Among other critical shortcomings, it doesn’t prohibit drilling in sensitive ecological areas or take into account the cumulative impacts of drilling on water resources.  

To protect New York’s water resources, the New York State Legislature needs to come to the rescue and make sure New York State doesn’t end up like looking like some sections of Pennsylvania. 

Click here to read the draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement.

The comment period on the draft has been extended until December 31^st. Click here if you’d like to send a message to Governor Paterson and DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis.

Read more here.

And here.

And here.  

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NEW YORK HONORS GREEN HEROES AT 40TH ANNIVERSARY GALA Environmental Advocates of New York celebrated our 40^th anniversary last week by honoring three extraordinary New Yorkers at our annual Advocate Awards Gala. More than 260 of the environmental community’s staunchest supporters joined us to celebrate at the Yale Club in New York City.

Since 1999, our Board of Directors has honored New Yorkers who have demonstrated exemplary service and leadership in protecting the environment. This year was no exception. Drumroll, please:  

Carter Bales is a nationally recognized expert on the economic impacts of global warming. For more than a decade, he has worked tirelessly to address the threat of climate change by documenting and disseminating the fiscal consequences of inaction in articles and reports, including “Reducing U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions: How Much at What Cost.” As Chairman and Founding Partner of NewWorld Capital Group and as a former director of McKinsey & Company, where he founded the firm’s practice in environmental management, Carter Bales has used his experience and credibility in the financial community to impact corporate thinking on critical environmental issues.

Andrew H. Darrell is New York’s foremost expert on sustainable cities. Working with Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) and other groups, he has long been dedicated to revitalizing the city’s neighborhoods, parks and public areas for the enjoyment of all New Yorkers. As EDF’s New York Regional Director and Deputy Director of EDF’s Energy Program, Andy Darrell has consistently developed creative solutions to our most pressing conservation issues. He has helped shape EDF’s market-based approach to transportation and energy solutions, including a campaign to cut traffic and expand transit as part of New York City’s  PlaNYC 2030.

Lieutenant Governor Richard Ravitch has led the charge to improve New York City’s public transit system for almost 30 years. He has a long and distinguished history of working to solve the State’s most critical challenges, both fiscal and political. Widely known for resuscitating the MTA, among other critical leadership roles Richard Ravitch has built tens of thousands of units of affordable housing, served as a troubleshooter under President Lyndon Johnson, and led New York State’s Urban Development Corp (now the Empire State Development Corp.) at the request of Governor Hugh Carey, while at the same time working to salvage New York State’s credit.  

Environmental Advocates was founded in 1969 by environmentalists who were committed to protecting New York’s air, land and water and recognized the need for a strong voice to defend the health of our natural resources in the State Capital. Founders include Richard Allen, Arthur Crocker, Hamilton Kean, J. Henry Neale, Jr., Peter Paine, Jr., Justice Herbert Posner, Edith Read, Larry Rockefeller and David Sive.  

We are grateful that three of our founders, David Sive, Hamilton Kean and J. Henry Neale, were able to join us at the gala.  

MEET YOUR NEW EPA REGION 2 ADMINISTRATOR
Environmental Advocates of New York was pleased to hear that Judith Enck was recently appointed Regional Director of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 2.

Judith has been a stalwart defender and protector of New York’s air, land and water for many years. As executive director of our precursor Environmental Planning Lobby (at the tender age of 23 no less!), policy advisor to the New York State Attorney General, and most recently as New York’s Deputy Secretary of the Environment, Judith has demonstrated excellent judgment and a strong commitment to protecting the health of our air, land and water, as well as our families, for generations to come. 

We’ll miss Judith in Albany, and her efforts on behalf of the environment, but are happy that she’s moved on to greater heights and responsibilities.

Click here to listen to an interview about Judith’s move to the EPA on North Country Radio.  

Click here to read more.

And here. 

DEC CLEANS UP WATER FUNDING PROGRAMS 
Earlier this month, New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that the agency is updating how it scores applications for clean water infrastructure loans. The changes give New York State communities more incentives to incorporate smart growth principles in land use planning.

Environmental Advocates of New York called for such changes in our $aving Green report last year.

The State’s Clean Water State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) provides resources for infrastructure for wastewater collection and treatment. The program relies on a point system to prioritize municipal projects, using a range of public health and water quality factors. In the agency’s announcement, the DEC will add point incentives for projects that are energy efficient, cost-effective and support wise land use. 

Click here for more information.
 

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