PRESS STATEMENT

November 18, 2008

ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOG CALLS ON NYS LAWMAKERS TO UPDATE BOTTLE DEPOSIT LAW TO MATCH CONSUMER TRENDS

(ALBANY, NY)— As lawmakers return to the State Capital for an emergency special legislative session, Environmental Advocates of New York urges leaders to heed Governor David Paterson’s call to update the state’s most successful recycling program to match consumer trends while fighting the Governor’s proposal to cut $50 million from the Environmental Protection Fund and alter its funding formula.  

An updated Bottle Bill could generate hundreds of millions of dollars to protect our natural resources while removing tens of thousands of plastic and glass containers from our roadsides, waterways, beaches and parks. However, cutting the state’s primary source of resources for all things environmental, including open space and farmland preservation, parks and water quality improvements, among other projects, is a shortsighted plan that could cost the state millions in the future.

“Instead of cutting spending on environmental protection, New York should eliminate tax exemptions harmful to our natural resources,” said Alison Jenkins, Environmental Advocates of New York’s fiscal policy program director. “For example, bunker fuel, a dirty sludge used to power cargo ships, is exempt from the petroleum business tax. Burning this sludge is linked to a host of health problems including cancer and asthma. Eliminating this tax exemption could bring in nearly $40 million in new state revenue next year while encouraging cargo ships to burn cleaner fuels. To responsibly balance the budget and protect the health of our families, New York should cut projects or policies that work against the state’s environmental goals, rather than deplete the Environmental Protection Fund.”

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Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for implementing policy that protects natural resources and safeguards public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions, and has more than 7,000 individual and 130 organizational members. The 501(c)(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more information call 518.462.5526 or visit www.eany.org.