PRESS RELEASE

March 27, 2007

ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOG CONGRATULATES PETE GRANNIS ON CLEARING FIRST HURDLE TO ASSUMING DEC POST

(ALBANY, NY)—Environmental Advocates of New York congratulates Assemblyman Alexander B. “Pete” Grannis for receiving the recommendation of the state’s Senate Environmental Conservation Committee to serve as Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation. The Assemblyman was nominated to the post earlier this year by Governor Spitzer and the first hearing to discuss his nomination was held last week and postponed until today.

“Assemblyman Grannis’ nomination to head the state’s environmental agency can go as fast or as slow as New York State’s Senate Majority wants it to go. There is no good reason that the Department of Environmental Conservation’s new Commissioner shouldn’t be in place before the end of the week,” said Robert Moore, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. “We appreciate the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee long-delayed vote on Grannis’ nomination, and hope that he is allowed to assume his duties before lawmakers leave Albany at the end of this week.” 

Assemblyman Grannis is known among his colleagues and environmental organizations across the state as one of our most expert public officials with regard to the issues that affect our air, water, lands, and public health and safety. He has sponsored, co-sponsored, and otherwise played a key role in legislation that includes New York’s Clean Indoor Air Act, measures to address the threats of acid rain and fluorocarbons, as well as bills to protect clean air and water, and to encourage recycling and conservation. Assemblyman Grannis chaired the Assembly’s first Subcommittee on Toxic Wastes, sponsored legislation ensuring a worker’s right to know about hazardous materials, and worked to regulate the transport, storage, and disposal of toxic wastes.

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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.