In Honor Of Earth Week, Senate Passes Senator Young's Legislation To Protect And Preserve Our Environment

Comprehensive legislative package passed to protect natural resources, promote energy conservation, create green jobs, and increase ecotourism

ALBANY – Two pieces of legislation sponsored by Senator Catharine Young (R,C,I – Olean) to protect and preserve our natural environment were included in a comprehensive package of bills that passed the state Senate this week in honor of Earth Week.

Earth Week, the annual celebration that coincides with Earth Day, advocates for greater awareness about the environment, increased emphasis for green technology and green practices, and supports efforts to clean up our environment. New York State is home to an abundant array of natural resources which the Senate works hard to protect now and for future generations.

“Protecting the environment, encouraging sustainable choices, supporting investments in new green technology, and promoting growth in the recycling industry are indispensable efforts toward preservation of our natural resources for the next generation. These legislative efforts will help us build jobs and the economy, grow new environmentally-friendly technology and encourage businesses to invest in an environmentally sustainable future,” said Senator Young.

“The Senate’s Earth Week legislative package also encourages residents to be active participants in their community by enjoying our natural resources, while still preserving and protecting the state’s environment and wildlife. By increasing awareness about outdoor recreation opportunities and expanding access to these activities, more young people will take advantage of New York’s many assets, leading to more active lifestyles and better stewardship of our natural resources,” Senator Young said.

As Chairperson for the Rural Resources Commission and a member of Senate’s Health, Environmental Conservation and Agriculture committees, environmental issues are consistently at the forefront of Senator Young’s legislative agenda.

Senate bill 3060, sponsored by Senator Young, enacts the “Oil and Gas Waste Management Act of 2015.” This legislation would require solid waste management facilities accepting waste from oil and gas drilling operations to screen the waste for radioactivity, ensuring that the disposal of potentially radioactive materials do not constitute an environmental hazard to the surrounding communities. By establishing screening criteria, the state would also gain a clearer picture if any potentially hazardous radioactive materials are entering the state’s solid waste management sites.

Senate bill 3064, also sponsored by Senator Young, provides a definition for Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Currently, New York State lacks a clear definition of what IPM actually means; this legislation would define IPM to provide a clear and unified starting point for future development and regulation. This definition was created in consultation with Cornell University’s NYS IPM Program and representatives of other industry sectors.

“Earth Day and Earth Week are great ways to remind people about the importance of preservation for our lakes, rivers, forest and parks. ‘Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle’ shouldn’t just be a slogan for one day, it should be a way of life we all strive for every day,” said Senator Young.

The full package of legislation that was passed by the Senate can be found at http://www.nysenate.gov/press-release/senate-celebrates-earth-day-and-passes-package-bills-protect-environment-increase-gree.