The [Green] Capitol Insider - 5.18.2009

Cap Carbon - New York

Lawmakers in D.C. are hard at work on legislation to cut global warming pollution, but that’s not the whole story. State measures, like one on the table in Albany, would cut climate pollution further and faster and help ease New York’s transition to the new, renewable energy economy. So while Congress might get most of the media attention, there’s action in Albany, too.

This week Environmental Advocates of New York is introducing our campaign to make real cuts in global warming pollution—it’s called Cap Carbon – New York. We can make New York State a national “green” leader in the climate fight when New Yorkers like you to send a clear message to state lawmakers—together, we can cut global warming pollution.

Later this week, we’ll send you details on how you can participate in Cap Carbon – New York. For now, please save the date for Cap Carbon Lobby Day in Albany. Come to the State Capital on June 9^th to tell your state lawmakers why New York can and should take action to help stop global warming now and not later.

WHEN: Tuesday, June 9^th

WHERE: New York State Capital

FOR DETAILS: Contact our Air & Energy Program Associate, Jackson Morris at jmorris@eany.org.

Monday Morning Surprise

Albany got a surprise last week in the form of a new leader for the State Senate’s Energy & Telecommunications Committee. After Senator Kevin Parker (D-Brooklyn) was relieved of the top slot pending an investigation into his alleged assault on a New York Post photographer, Senator Darrel Aubertine (D-Watertown) was tapped to head up the important committee.

We look forward to working with Senator Aubertine. During his time in the Assembly, he supported moving the state to a sustainable energy future while reducing New York’s share of global warming pollution, including legislation that would ensure revenue from the auction of pollution permits under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative supports energy efficiency and clean energy projects. Last year, Senator Aubertine voted to reform New York’s net metering law so that more state residents could sell the clean energy they generate themselves back to utilities; he also supported tax credits for solar power and grants to build green.

Based on his voting record, Senator Aubertine is likely to help restore New York State’s leadership in the fields of renewable energy and climate change.

We’ll keep you posted.

Click here to read more.

And here.

All Bottled Up

Only a few weeks have passed since state lawmakers updated New York State’s bottle deposit law, the “Bottle Bill,” to include bottled waters, and there’s already talk of amendments.

The original Bottle Bill is New York’s most successful recycling program and something that, poll after poll and survey after survey, state residents say they want. So far, legislation to amend the expanded bottle deposit law has been introduced in both houses and the Governor Paterson may have a proposal, too.

For the record, we want to keep the Bottle Bill on track and ready to go. If New York waits until next fall to update the state’s bottle deposit law, tens of thousands of water bottles will wind up in our landfills and littering our roadsides, natural areas and waterways.

Read more here and here.

D.C. Climate Bill Weakened Under Pressure

It’s not bad news, but it’s not good news, either.

Late last week, representatives Edward Markey (D-MA) and Henry Waxman (D-CA) announced the outlines of a deal on a bill to cut global warming pollution that is likely to get the support of centrist Democrats. The deal, which isn’t dreamy but could certainly be much worse, lowers clean energy targets and requires smaller cuts in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. Final targets to cut climate pollution 80 percent by 2050 remain in place.

The most troubling news is about emissions allowances. Under the cap-and-trade bill, these are the carbon credits that polluters will be required to buy in order to continue to release climate-altering pollution into the atmosphere. The agreement would give 35 percent of carbon credits to local power producers for free and about 15 percent to polluting industries such as steel, aluminum, chemical and glass. These giveaways would be phased-out over time.

As far as Environmental Advocates of New York is concerned, giving away carbon credits for free does not serve as an incentive to these polluters to clean up their act. And if the Kyoto Protocol is any example, giving away allowances doesn’t help polluters meet their goals to cut greenhouse gases, either.

But this fight is far from over. We’ll keep you posted.

Read more here.

And here.

Bills on the Move

Every week during the State Legislative Session, Environmental Advocates of New York looks at the measures that will impact the environment for good or ill. Here are this week’s Bills on the Move.

Three Trees for Recyclables in Landfills. This bill would prohibit the disposal of recyclable materials and yard waste in landfills and incinera­tors, and specifies materials to be separated for recycling, such as newsprint, glass containers, metal containers, and certain plastics.

Two Trees for Outdoor Lighting. This bill would prohibit the installation of new or replacement permanent outdoor lighting by state agencies or public corporations unless it meets certain efficiency standards. It would also require the state to develop efficiency standards for lighting and authorize the state to identify and establish “dark sky preserves,” in order to protect wildlife and enhance night sky viewing.

Two Trees for Green Power Purchasing. This bill will make it possible for local governments to choose clean electricity at a limited additional cost. The measure also includes cost premiums for only renewable sources—not power from waste incinerators or nuclear plants, both of which are captured under the deeply flawed existing definition of renewables in state energy law.

One Tree for Public Access to Information. This bill would provide enhanced public access to information from the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) through publications, open meetings and requests for public hearings.

One Tree for Wetlands Neighbor Notification. This bill would require that New York City landowners be notified and hearings be held when a development or other activity is proposed in a nearby wetland.

Two Smokestacks for Vested Rights Land Development. This bill vests the municipal zoning, planning and environmental regulations that are in place 180 days (six months) after an application is filed to develop land. This bill would undercut municipal planning and hamstring a community’s ability to address environmentally damaging growth or to consider the cumulative impacts of proposed develop­ments.

Two Smokestacks for Bottle Bill Amendments. This bill would weaken the recent update of New York’s Bottle Bill by delaying the expansion of the nickel deposit to bottled waters, allowing stores smaller than 10,000 square feet to reduce the number of containers they accept as returns from 240 to 72 per day, and eliminating UPC code requirements for containers.

Click here to learn more about these measures and what each will do to help or hurt New York’s natural resources.

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The [Green] Capitol Insider - 5.7.2009 - Special Edition

Done (MTA) Deal

It’s not perfect, but the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) got what it needed to avoid widespread service cuts and a massive fare increase. Late last night, New York State lawmakers passed a refinancing rescue plan for the beleaguered MTA. And just in time, too.

Without a plan in place, the MTA would have been forced to cut service and hike fares by May 31. The plan includes a payroll tax in the New York City metro area (with reimbursement for school districts), as well as other fees, such as $.50 per taxi ride.

Questions remain about the MTA’s longer-term capital needs, but for now service will be maintained and fares will be raised from $2 to $2.25, a more “rider friendly” hike than the 20 to 30 percent proposed by the MTA. And there’s enough cash to allow some necessary capital improvements in the MTA’s extensive system of commuter rail and bus lines.

A robust MTA makes a big dent in New York’s global warming pollution. And while the rescue plan may be incomplete, and we encourage state lawmakers to work out a long-term solution, it will avoid service cuts and a fare hike that would put more cars on the road and more climate-altering pollution in our air.

There’s no end of opinions about the rescue, from Poughkeepsie to Long Island and the places in between. Read more here,

Here.

Here.

Here.

Here.

And Here.

Bigger Better Bottle News on Earth Day Lobby Day

At the green community’s annual Earth Day Lobby Day, Governor Paterson announced (surprise!) an Executive Order (click here to read #18) that will phase out state purchases of bottled water.

More than 100 environmentalists from across the state were on hand to hear the Governor’s announcement while visiting the State Capital to meet with legislators in support of the green community’s priority Super Bills. Click here to learn more about the 2009 Super Bills. Or visit our facebook page to see pictures from Earth Day Lobby Day.

New York is now the third state to cut purchases of bottled water. Virginia and Illinois came first.

Read more here.

Assembly Moves on Super Bills

In celebration of Earth Day, on Tuesday, May 5th the New York State Assembly passed several bills designed to address some of the state’s most pressing environmental challenges.

Among the legislation passed are three of our priority Super Bills for 2009—the Global Warming Pollution Cap, Wetlands Protection Act and the Electronic Waste Recycling Act. The Environmental Access to Justice Act was passed by the Assembly in February, and the state’s bottle deposit law, also among the Super Bills, was included in the state budget. The Assembly also passed legislation designed to protect drinking water and phase-out the use of toxic chemicals, among other bills.

Now it's the State Senate's turn to take up the measures. We'll keep you posted.

Bills on the Move

Every week during the State Legislative Session, Environmental Advocates of New York looks at the measures that will impact the environment for good or ill. Here are this week’s Bills on the Move.

Two trees for MTA Refinancing. This bill will refinance the MTA’s operating and short-term capital needs by imposing a series of fees and taxes, as well as a payroll tax within the metro commuter transportation district. The bill will also make changes to the public authority’s law related to financial reporting, the qualifications of board members, and includes provisions related to the auditing of MTA finances. Maintaining the New York City metropolitan area’s transportation system is critical to preserving the state’s overall environmental health. A contraction of that system or failure to maintain current levels of services would be a significant blow to New York’s air quality and hamper the state’s efforts to reduce global warming pollution.

Click here to learn more about these measures and what each will do to help or hurt New York’s natural resources.

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The [Green] Capitol Insider - 5.4.2009

Governor’s Executive Order Could Dam up Safety Regulations

An executive order signed by Governor Paterson last week has Albany insiders concerned that it could be used to roll back regulations that protect our air, water and land. Executive Order #17 requires all state agencies to assess how all current and future regulations could impact municipal property taxes.

These are the taxes that fund things like drinking water and sewage treatment plants, not to mention schools, libraries, and fire and police departments.

According to Crain’s New York Business, Executive Order #17 (click here for the press release from the Guv’s office and here to read the order) one regulation that may have already been caught by the Executive Order are the state’s new dam safety regulations, which are three years in the making.

New York’s dam owners are required by law to inspect, and if necessary, fix their dams. Seems pretty reasonable, given the flood of problems that result when a dam fails. Inspections and repairs cost money and more than one-third of the state’s dams are owned by local governments and municipalities according to the D.C.-based group American Rivers.

New York is home to more than 5,500 dams statewide and has few inspectors charged with ensuring dam safety. And now even those staff may be in danger thanks to continued staff cuts at the agency, which will likely lose more than 400 people this year. Click here to read our report on the negative impact of DEC staff cuts on New York’s environmental health.

Click here to read more in Crain’s New York Business.

Stop-Gap Plan for MTA

Over the weekend, Governor Paterson called on the state lawmakers to take action and address the looming Metropolitan Transportation Authority crisis in order to avoid a big fare hike and service cuts.

But the stop-gap plan he proposed doesn’t address the long-term infrastructure needs of the MTA, and it's left some transportation advocates scratching their heads. Avoiding MTA service cuts and keeping fares low for New Yorkers, per the stop-gap plan, will keep cars off the road and has big environmental benefits.

The State Legislature may act soon. We'll keep you posted.

Is Specter the Ghost of Climate’s Future?

Now that Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) has gone from red to blue (much like his constituents), some environmental groups are wondering if the switch will have an impact on climate change legislation currently being debated in Congress.

Maybe not. Specter doesn’t have an especially green record. And let’s not forget that he represents Pennsylvania, a major coal producing and coal burning state. But it’s a new year and a new Senate, and we’d wager that if his constituents let him know it’s important to them, he will listen. And maybe even act.

Click here to read more in the Daily Green.

Half a Billion $$ for Climate Change Programs

With very little fanfare, last month the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Board of Directors approved an Operating Plan for the use of funds raised as a result of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, known as the “RGGI.” The RGGI is the 10-state effort to cut global warming pollution from power plants.

The funds raised from RGGI are the result of auctions of carbon dioxide emissions allowances; the Plan explains how the money will be spent.

Click here to read the details.

The Plan includes funding for both short- and long-term initiatives, including energy efficiency, as well as a host of other projects. And it provoked some unease among NYSERDA board members. Most notably, a few questioned if the Plan’s scope was too big or if resources would be better targeted to help ensure immediate reductions in greenhouse gases. Environmental Advocates shares these concerns.

Check out this link to watch the NYSERDA board meeting. It's a long meeting. Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis' take on the plan starts a couple of minutes in.

Stay tuned for more information about what kinds of projects will be funded and how much money is at stake.

Earth Day Awards

On Earth Day, April 22^nd, Environmental Advocates of New York and representatives from dozens of environmental, conservation, civic, recycling and other groups from across the state gave awards to a few of New York’s leaders for their roles in securing the green victories in this year’s budget. Click here to see a few photos from the event on facebook.

Governor David Paterson, Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, and Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Senator Antoine Thompson joined the groups to receive their awards. Assemblyman Sweeney, chair of his house’s Environmental Conservation Committee, could not join us for the ceremony.

If you’re pleased with the green victories in the budget, Click here to thank your representatives in Albany.

CLICK here to send a letter to the editor of your local paper about New York’s bigger and better bottle deposit law.

Last Chance! Join Us For Earth Day Lobby Day on May 5^th!

It’s not too late to sign up for Earth Day Lobby Day. Join hundreds of environmentalists from across New York State to fight for measures to protect our water, air, land and health. No lobbying experience needed!

WHEN: Tuesday, May 5th, 2009, 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM

WHERE: The Well, Legislative Office Building, New York State Capitol, Albany, NY

Earth Day Lobby Day is New York’s largest annual environmental event, bringing together people from across the state to hear from government and environment leaders, learn about current legislation, and lobby elected officials on the issues that matter to you.

Click here to sign up for Earth Day Lobby Day.

For more information, contact Bill Mahoney at mahoney.w@gmail.com

Bills on the Move

Every week during the State Legislative Session, Environmental Advocates of New York looks at the measures that will impact the environment for good or ill. Here are this week’s Bills on the Move.

SUPER BILL. Three trees for E-Waste Reduction. This bill would remove tons of toxic e-waste from landfills by requiring manufacturers to collect and recycle at least one-quarter of annual equipment sales (by weight), and increase that collection rate to 45 percent by 2017.

SUPER BILL. Three trees for Global Warming Pollution Cap. This bill would reduce New York State’s climate change pollution from all sources—including homes and buildings, cars, schools and factories—until total greenhouse gas emissions are 80 percent less than emissions for the year 1990.

One tree for Solid Waste Management Facilities. This bill would require private solid waste facilities that apply for permits to demonstrate consistency with local solid waste management plans. Consistency with such plans is already required for municipal facilities.

Three trees for the Climate Change Solutions Act & Fund. These complementary bills would require that auction proceeds that result from New York’s role in the regional effort to cut power plant pollution be directed to clean energy and energy efficiency programs. Keeping these climate change-fighting monies clean will strengthen the plan to cut the state’s global warming pollution.

Three trees for Healthy Green Procurement. This bill would establish pro­tocols for the purchase of services, commodities, and technologies by state agencies in order to mini­mize adverse impacts on the environment and public health.

Two trees for Diesel Generator Ban. This bill would prohibit the use of diesel-powered engines to produce power in areas of the state that do not meet health-based air quality standards for ozone and particulates set by the EPA.

One tree for Deca Flame Retardant Ban. This bill would add decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE) to the list of brominated flame retardants whose manufacture, process or sale is pro­hibited due to documented health risks.

Two trees for Phosphorus Ban. This bill would prohibit house­hold cleansers from containing more than trace amounts of phosphorous, prohibit the sale of dish­washing detergents that contain more than five tenths percent phosphorus, and prohibit the sale of cleansing products used in food and beverage processing equipment that contain more than eight and seven-tenths percent phosphorus.

Click here to learn more about these measures and what each will do to help or hurt New York’s natural resources.

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NEW YORK IS A MEMBER OF EARTH SHARE OF NEW YORK

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