March 29, 2006

Environmental Groups Applaud Senator Breslin & Senator Schneiderman for Forcing Vote on Environmental Legislation

Motions Denied along Party Lines, Despite Bipartisan Support

ALBANY, NY—Environmental Advocates of New York and the Sierra Club – Atlantic Chapter applauded Senator Neil D. Breslin and Senator Eric T. Schneiderman today for their efforts to bring attention to two issues integral to New York State’s environmental health——local funding options for community preservation and wetlands protection. The Senators attempted to bring the two environmental bills to the Senate floor for a fair up or down vote. Both motions were denied largely along party lines, even though comparable bills enjoy strong bipartisan support.

The Community Preservation Act and the Clean Water Protection / Flood Prevention Act are two of four environmental “Super Bills” identified in 2006. Chosen by the Green Panel, which is made up of leaders of nearly a dozen environmental organizations from across New York State, the Super Bills are an integral part of the annual Voters’ Guide published by EPL/Environmental Advocates, sister organization of Environmental Advocates of New York

Senator Breslin’s Community Preservation Fund bill (S6371) would provide New Yorkers with tools to preserve community character when and how they see fit. This bill is comparable to the Community Preservation Act, sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino. Both preservation bills would give municipalities the power to voluntarily create a fund dedicated to protecting natural areas and water resources, working farms, and historic buildings. The Community Preservation Act benefits New Yorkers by removing the obstacle of seeking legislative approval to fund local efforts.

“Environmental Advocates of New York supports the Community Preservation Act sponsored by Senator Carl Marcellino. The bill has 32 willing sponsors—including 10 Republicans and 22 Democrats,” said Robert Moore, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates. “We applaud Senator Breslin, a supporter of that bill, for his efforts to bring attention to the desperate need for locally led preservation, and are disappointed that more than 30 state senators did not allow this bill to reach the floor for a fair vote.”

Senator Schneiderman’s bill, the Freshwater Wetlands Preservation Act (S1587) would protect New York State wetlands currently vulnerable to development because of loopholes in state and federal law. Senator Schneiderman’s bill is comparable to the Safe Water Protection / Flood Prevention Act which is also sponsored by Senator Marcellino. Protecting wetlands is critical to the state’s long term environmental health. Wetlands work as a filter for water, and serve as habitat for migratory birds and endangered species. If passed, the law would protect wetlands more than one acre in size; currently only wetlands 12.4 acres or larger are protected. Thirty-one senators voted against releasing this bill to the floor for a vote.

"We celebrate Senator Schneiderman for having the courage to work to end the needless delay of wetlands protection and bring this bill to a vote at a time when leaders from both houses have agreed to stall on this issue during the budget process," said John Stouffer, Legislative Director for the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "For five years, developers in New York State have taken advantage of this loophole in wetlands protection law to destroy wetlands. And all the while, New Yorkers’ drinking water, flood prevention resources, and wildlife habitat are at risk."