March 22, 2006

Environmental Issues Update

Focus on 2006 Super Green Bills

WHAT: Environmental experts from across the region are celebrating Earth Day (April 22) all month long this year. On March 29, leaders are coming together to bring attention to this year’s slate of funding priorities and the environmental community’s common-sense legislative recommendations, known as the “Super Bills,” as well as New York State’s management plans.

The Environmental Issues Update is open to the public and is co-sponsored by Hudson River Sloop Clearwater and Friends of Hudson. For more information about related Earth Day activities, please visit www.eany.org.

WHO: Speakers include Rob Moore, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York. Rob will speak to this year’s legislative priorities and the Super Bills, including the Community Preservation Act and the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill. Rob will also discuss the state of State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) Standing. Other legislative priorities include the Smart Growth Infrastructure Act and Reform of Article X for Power Plant Siting.

Willie Janeway, Director of New York Government Relations at The Nature Conservancy, will discuss Hudson River Estuary Action Goals, including plans for swimmable beaches, the New York State budget, and the Environmental Protection Fund Enhancement Act. The Act is one of the environmental community’s four Super Bills. The Environmental Protection Fund Enhancement Act would increase the fund from $150 to $300 million.

John Stouffer, Legislative Director of the Sierra Club – Atlantic Chapter, will speak about the Clean Water Protection & Flood Prevention Act (this year’s “Super” Wetlands Bill), as well as the current status of the multi-state Great Lakes Compact, and the Aquatic Invasive Species Act.

WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: Wednesday, March 29 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY

WHY: New York State legislators are currently deliberating next year’s budget. While the Assembly and the Senate have agreed to raise the Environmental Protection Fund from $150 to $200 million, the environmental community’s Super Bills, as well as other legislation integral to a healthy environment, remain stalled in either the Assembly or the Senate.