January 9, 2008
 

green response to Gov’s 2008 ‘state of the state’

environmental watchdog highlights Governor’s attention to cleanenergy & Efficiency, urges caution on staffing

(ALBANY, NY)—In Governor Eliot Spitzer’s 2008 State of the State address, the Governor reiterated his commitment to increasing New York State’s investment in energy efficiency and to fixing state laws that hamper the growth of New York’s clean energy industry. As the state’s environmental watchdog, Environmental Advocates of New York also calls on the Governor to maintain staff levels at the state’s environmental agency in light of projected budget deficits.   

Energy Efficiency
In his remarks today, Governor Spitzer reiterated his commitment to “15 by 15,” his 2007 initiative to reduce energy use 15 percent by 2015 as part of a plan to address the threats of climate change.

“Governor Spitzer’s ‘15 by 15’ initiative to cut New York’s energy use will help protect our natural resources and help to address the negative environmental impacts associated with global warming,” said Robert Moore, executive director of Environmental Advocates of New York. “While ‘15 by 15’ is an important step, we look forward to working with the Governor and state lawmakers to take further actions to reduce climate-altering pollution from all sources.”

Net Metering
Environmental Advocates of New York is encouraged by the Governor’s support of amending state law to encourage the development of solar energy systems in New York State by easing restrictions on net metering, the practice of crediting consumers for the power they generate. The initiative to fix the state’s net metering policy, advanced by the State Legislature and poised for passage this year, would go a long way toward unleashing the economic development potential of the growing clean energy industry in New York.

Smart Metering
Environmental Advocates is also encouraged by Governor Spitzer’s call to reduce New Yorkers’ energy bills by means of smart metering, the practice which gives consumers the know how to run their appliances during off-peak hours.

Agency Staffing
Despite the Governor’s comments on the hard budget choices ahead, Environmental Advocates of New York calls on Governor Spitzer to maintain staff levels at the state’s environmental agencies as the agencies have little or no room for belt-tightening. The previous administration’s staff cuts continue to jeopardize our natural resources and public health.

Environmental Advocates has long supported staff increases at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and has documented the significant negative environmental impacts of staff cuts in two Endangered Agency reports. The reports highlight how staff cuts endanger New Yorkers, especially when such cuts have resulted in infrequent review of water pollution permits and dams across the state.

Any staff cuts at the DEC to produce short-term budget relief do not reconcile with the long-term needs of New Yorkers and the health of New York’s environment. 

Environmental Advocates looks forward to a productive Legislative session.

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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.