Earth Day 2010: Senator Jose Peralta Passes Environmental Protections

Majority Passes Comprehensive Package to Strengthen Environment and “Green” Economy

(Albany, NY) Senator Jose Peralta (D) and the Democratic Majority demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation this week by passing a package of bills designed to strengthen environmental and citizen protections for a cleaner, greener and healthier New York.

“Protecting the people of New York goes hand-in-hand with protecting the environment in which we live. It is incumbent upon us to make Earth Day a reminder for what is left undone, and commit ourselves every day of the year to a safer and more vibrant environment,” Senator Peralta said. “To commemorate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, I’m very pleased to have helped the Senate Majority pass comprehensive environmental reforms which remove toxins from baby bottles, launch rechargeable battery and e-waste recycling programs, and limit the use of chemicals on school grounds and at day care centers.”

Bills in the package include:

· S3296-G / Prohibits the manufacture, distribution and sale of child care products such as pacifiers, bottles and sippy cups that contain Bisphenol.

· S6047A / Establishes a comprehensive State-wide electronic equipment reuse and recycling program.

· S5119 / Reduces the State’s waste by prohibiting the purchase and use of non-recyclable paper/mailing products.

· S4983C / Limits pesticide exposures for school and daycare aged children by prohibiting certain outdoor, non-essential applications on playgrounds, turf, and athletic or playing fields.

· S3593 / Institutes a rechargeable battery producer and retailer sponsored take back program at no costs to consumers.

· S6141B / Requires Auto Dealerships to post a Gallons Per Mile Fuel Savings Guide within the dealership that presents information developed by the DEC.

· S3788C / Creates a cancer mapping program that overlays reported incidences of cancer with environmental facilities.

Earth Day was started by Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson in 1970 when he held a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of the environment to give the American people a forum to express their concern about what was happening to the land, rivers, lakes, and air. Twenty million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities participated.

Four decades later, nearly every community across the state commemorates Earth Day. For more information on Earth Day and how each of us can help our environment, visit www.epa.gov/earthday.