Addabbo Assumes New Position as Member of Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation

Queens, NY (February 9, 2015) –State Senator Joseph Addabbo, Jr. today announced that he has been appointed to serve as a member of the Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation, a post he described as “a great opportunity to work even harder to protect and conserve the precious natural resources in our state and within my district.” 

Addabbo noted he has consistently made environmental concerns a focus of his legislative work in both the State Legislature and his district. 

“Since 2010, it has been a real pleasure for me to work with Assemblymember Mike Miller to hold twice-yearly community recycling days to enable my constituents to more easily recycle electronics, old clothing, paper, and a variety of other household goods,” Addabbo said.  “In late September, at our most recent event, we were able to divert 45,500 pounds of recyclables away from the waste stream, including 11,000 pounds of shredded paper, 28,500 pounds of electronic e-waste, and 6,000 pounds of goods that were donated to the Salvation Army – which had to bring in another truck to collect the overflow.”  

During previous recycling events, a total of 192,000 pounds of paper and electronics alone – or 96 tons – were collected and prevented from being ultimately deposited in landfills.  

Addabbo also noted his district is home to Jamaica Bay, an environmentally significant body of water and important refuge for many water birds and other forms of wildlife.  He is the sponsor of a law (Chapter 288) passed last year to help prevent contamination of the Bay by preventing the State from approving any plans by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dump hazardous materials into the Bay’s “borrow pits.”

Addabbo added that Broad Channel, Rockaway and Howard Beach areas of his district, which were particularly hard hit by Sandy, are not only environmentally sensitive areas, but are very important to the local economy and tourist trade. 

“Among the issues I intend to work on, we must continue to build back our beautiful beaches, which are an attraction for both local families and visitors from throughout the City,” he said. 

The Senator was very encouraged late last year when Governor Cuomo expressed support for banning hydraulic fracturing in New York State – a controversial gas drilling practice that he strongly opposed -- and said he looks forward to working on a variety of important environmental issues as a member of his new Senate Committee. 

“From continuing my efforts to protect Jamaica Bay, to working on public policy that may help to address extreme weather patterns that threaten our communities, to taking action to safeguard our air, water and green spaces, I am excited to begin working as a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee,” he said.  “It is vital that we, as a nation, state and city, take thoughtful and effective action to preserve and improve our environment for today’s families and future generations.” 

In addition to his new post, Addabbo will continue to serve as the ranking member of both the Senate Committee on Veterans, Homeland Security and Military Affairs and the Senate Committee on Racing, Gaming and Wagering.  He will also continue his work as a member of the Senate Committees on Education, Labor, Aging and Civil Service. 

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