PRESS RELEASE

January 19, 2010

GOV PATERSON TAKES AXE TO ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS & LEAVES DEC BLEEDING FROM STAFF LOSSES, WHILE PROPOSING RECORD-BREAKING BUDGET

(ALBANY, NY)—In response to the Executive Budget released today by Governor David Paterson, Environmental Advocates of New York condemns plans to cut the State’s Environmental Protection Fund by $69 million, as well as his plans for staff cuts at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Under the Governor’s plan, the DEC will lose 54 staff. The Environmental Protection Fund has been reduced to $143 million, down from $212 million.

“For more than a year Governor Paterson has talked about reigning in state spending and the need for New York State agencies to make sacrifices. But today he proposed a record-breaking State Budget of $134 billion, $787 million more than last year. Meanwhile he cut critical funding that protects the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink to the tune of nearly $70 million. The Governor’s priorities are clear,” said Alison Jenkins, Fiscal Policy Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. “New York and the nation are going through some tough times, but Governor Paterson needs to put down his budget axe and pick up a scalpel. The Governor’s proposed budget may be in his best interest for 2010, but it’s not in New York State’s best interest this year or five years from now.” 

Cuts to New York’s primary fund for environmental projects means that programs that range from water quality improvement and waterfront revitalization, municipal parks, recycling and land conservation will be drastically reduced or programs may have to shut down due to lack of funds. The Environmental Protection Fund supports a wide range of environmental programs in every corner of the state. The Fund is supported almost exclusively by revenue from the Real Estate Transfer Tax.     

Proposed cuts to New York State’s DEC mean that the agency will have fewer staff to oversee water and air pollution discharged into the State’s environment, as well as dozens of other critical functions. The loss of 54 staff positions, in addition to the more than 450 staff lost over the last two years due to budget cuts, the hiring freeze and retirement incentives, will leave the agency at near-record lows.

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Environmental Advocates of New York was established to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. Environmental Advocates works to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. The 501c3 is the New York State affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.