New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation
September 8, 2008
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 tidbits and observations carefully gleaned from the halls of the Capitol.
He Said What?
The past couple of weeks have left Capitol watchers scratching their heads as to where the Paterson administration stands with regards to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the 10-state plan to reduce the power plant pollution that is changing our climate.
What gives? Just a few weeks ago, we let you know that the RGGI had made its final stop before the State Environmental Board. All signs were “go” for the regional climate plan and we thanked the Governor for moving things along. Only one more step to take—final approval of the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority's RGGI regulations at their September board meeting.
Once the RGGI clears this hurdle and the rules are in the State Registry, New York is all set to participate in the December auctions of carbon dioxide.
But last week comments made by Governor David Paterson to the New York Times indicated that all may not be so clear and easy. According to the Times, at a recent public appearance the Governor was asked if a “draft” executive order could impact the state’s participation in the regional plan. And his response suggested that it’s possible. Click here to read the entire exchange.
The “draft” executive order would open dozens of state regulations up for review based on comments from the business community and other special interest groups. We’re keeping our eyes on the draft, too, and have spoken with the Governor’s staff about it.
As soon as Environmental Advocates of New York got wind of the Governor’s comments we reached out to folks in the Capitol to get the skinny. And we released a statement calling on Paterson to clarify his statements. Click here for our statement.
In the end, the Governor released a statement of support for the RGGI. Phew. Governor Paterson has long supported initiatives to protect the health of our natural resources, and any change to the regional climate plan at this time could tarnish his green legacy.
For Love of Water
Join us for a special NYC presentation of FLOW: For Love of
Water.
On Sunday, September 14, 2008, the Angelika Film
Center is hosting a special presentation of the award-winning
documentary FLOW: For Love of Water.
FLOW investigates what is arguably the most important
political and environmental issue of the 21st Century - The World
Water Crisis.
A discussion featuring Environmental Advocates of New York's own
Katherine Nadeau will follow the film. Click
here for more information and to watch the trailer.
WHEN: 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2008. Please check with the theater for details.
WHERE: The Angelika Film Center, 18 West Houston St. (@ Mercer St.) NYC
Get ‘em done.
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. have a few items they can easily tick off their to-do lists when they get back to work this week.
They can protect the Great Lakes by passing three measures designed to protect the health of all of the waters of the Great Lakes Basin—and the drinking water, energy and economic foundation those waters provide to much of New York State.
As a member of the Healing Our Waters coalition
(www.healthylakes.org),
Environmental Advocates of New York is just one of 100 organizations
calling on Congress to act on the Great Lakes Compact, the Great
Lakes Legacy Act, and the Coast Guard Authorization Act, which will
protect the lakes from invasive species.
The Basin is the primary water supply for millions of New Yorkers.
The Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact is
designed to protect the lakes from wasteful withdrawals and make
sure that New York has a seat at the table, along with all of the
Basin states, when decisions about water use are being made.
Invasive species are taking a toll on the Great Lakes’ billion dollar fishing industry. The Coast Guard Authorization Act would give the Coast Guard oversight on ballast water that gets dumped from oceangoing vessels—the most common way the pesky creatures make their way into New York waterways—and thus prevent more invasives from getting to the lakes.
The Legacy Act needs to be reauthorized before it expires this year. This bill authorizes federal funding for cleaning up the U.S. share of Great Lakes toxic hot spots. Thirty one hot spots are located wholly or in part in the U.S., and five within New York State.
Click here to listen to a radio interview with a member of the Healing Our Waters Coalition.
IJC Drops Plan 2007. Hurray!
A few months back we alerted you on the International Joint Commission’s (IJC) plans to regulate St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario sea levels.
The IJC’s plan, “Plan 2007,” didn’t go nearly far enough to restore natural water levels and allow for the restoration of wetlands—nearly half of which have been wiped out since the IJC began regulating water levels in the 1950s.
Environmental Advocates, New Yorkers, green groups, federal and state agencies, including New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the State Assembly, public authorities and trade groups spoke out about the faulty plan.
The IJC listened and is backing away from Plan 2007.
The fight to restore wetlands and habitat on Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence isn’t over yet, but this is a huge step. Here’s an excerpt from IJC Chair Irene Brooks letter to Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice about Plan 2007:
“we have now completed our analysis…the hearings and public comments showed serious divisions by political unit and by interest and there was little support for Plan 2007. There was also a broad, strong interest in returning to more natural flows… Plan 2007 is not a practical option for implementation.”
Up next, the U.S. and Canada must agree to go back to the drawing board and develop a regulation package that will move water levels toward more natural flows. The process could be complete by June 2009. And until a new plan is approved, current water level regulations will stay in place.
Click here to listen to Jennifer Caddick of Save the River give her take on the story.