Earth Day 2016, April 22nd

Senator O'Mara, chairman of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, welcomed Earth Week 2016, April 18-22, 2016 -- with Earth Day 2016 falling on Friday, April 22nd -- by praising the state's strong commitment to the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and other actions taken as part of the 2016-17 New York State budget.

O'Mara said, “The EPF helps create local jobs and studies have shown that for every dollar of EPF funds invested in land and water protection, the state and localities get back seven dollars in economic benefits. That's a pretty solid investment by any measure.  The EPF enjoys an impressive record of government investment which has benefitted a broad-based segment of New York’s citizens and communities like very few government programs ever have. Strengthening the EPF to the fullest extent possible within the context of the entire state fiscal plan makes great economic and environmental sense. It will be an enduring and proud achievement for future generations of New Yorkers and New York communities.”

The new budget includes a fully funded, $300-million EPF, something many conservation advocates have been fighting for for years.  The EPF supports critical environmental initiatives including clean air and water projects, flood control and restoration, and open space preservation.  This year’s increase also provides additional funding to fight invasive species, including establishing a matching grant fund for municipalities and others to treat aquatic invasive species such as Eurasian Milfoil.

The budget also includes a $200-million increase for the “Water Quality Infrastructure Improvement Grant Program” established last year to help localities undertake water infrastructure improvement projects including sewer and municipal water line repairs. 

Also on the environmental front, O’Mara said the budget will include a rebate program for consumers and municipalities who purchase electric and “zero-emission” vehicles. The rebate program contained in the budget mirrors legislation O’Mara introduced earlier this session and would provide up to a $2,000-per-vehicle rebate for individual buyers and a $5,000-per-vehicle rebate for local municipalities. Rebates would also be granted to municipalities for building related infrastructure, such as charging stations and hydrogen refueling stations.

Read more on this year's environmental budget from the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), "Environment Fares Well in the State Budget"

Read and watch more from the Adirondack Council and the Nature Conservancy, "Environmental Advocates Applaud the Budget"

See Governor Andrew Cuomo's announcement, "Governor Cuomo Highlights Earth Week 2016"

Read more from the state Department of Environmental Conservation on Earth Week activities and events taking place around New York State, CLICK HERE.

Read more from the Steuben County Department of Public Works HERE.