Make your opinions known to decision-makers on issues of importance to you and New York League of Conservation Voters. http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/alertlist.asp Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:05:18 GMT Thu, 29 Jul 2010 07:05:18 GMT en-us action alerts thedatabank, inc. Technology for Change. http://www.thedatabank.com/
Water, although seemingly infinite, is a finite resource. Population growth and increased use of water for agriculture and industry have placed increased demands on the state's water resources. Other potential threats to the water supply come from the changing climate as well as proposals to export large quantities of water to other states and nations. There are vast regulatory issues regarding New York State’s water supply. The state’s water supply provisions have not been updated in over 50 years. Existing regulations are not comprehensive, as agricultural, commercial, and industrial uses remain largely unaccounted for in New York. According to 2000 census data, 31% of land in New York is not included in any basin regulation program. A.11436 / S.8280 would help overcome these issues by authorizing the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to implement a comprehensive permitting system to regulate the state’s water resources. It would require that any water withdrawal project with the capacity to withdraw 100,000 or more gallons per day be permitted by the DEC. Smaller public water supply projects would no longer need permits, allowing the DEC to focus on larger projects with greater impacts. In addition, this legislation would fulfill the state’s obligation under the Great Lakes Compact to regulate all significant water withdrawals in the New York portion of the Great Lakes Basin. The Water Withdrawal Regulation will enhance the state’s ability to manage water resources to promote economic growth and address droughts. It will provide environmental protection while helping to preserve functions essential to economic and ecological activity.

Deadline for action: 8/1/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4781 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4781 Thu, 24 Jun 2010 01:23:16 GMT
The New York State Senate and Assembly are considering proposals that would "temporarily" defer environmental tax-credit incentives for up to six years. Environmental funding has already been gutted in this year's state budget. Rolling back incentives that serve as a bridge to a better economic and environmental future only adds insult to injury and risks inflicting long-term damage on New York. Among the targeted credits are: 1. Alternative Fuels Credit 2. Clean Heating Fuel Credit 3. Biofuel Production Credit 4. Conservation Easement Tax Credit 5. Fuel Cell Electric Generating Equipment Expenditures 6. Brownfield Redevelopment Credit 7. Remediated Brownfield Credit for Real Property Taxes for qualified sites 8. Environmental Remediation Insurance Credit 9. Low Income Housing Tax Credit 10. Green Building Credit 11. Solar Energy System Equipment Credit 12. Historic Properties Credit 13. Historic Homeownership Rehabilitation Credit For the sake of New York's environment, please tell your Albany lawmakers today to keep these valuable incentives that help clean contaminate sites, fight climate change and control sprawl.

Deadline for action: 8/1/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4780 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4780 Wed, 23 Jun 2010 17:04:42 GMT
The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) strongly supports municipal governments investing in renewable energy. Currently, state law dictates that all local governments are required to purchase power from the cheapest possible source, and in many instances this prevents the purchase of renewable power. By preventing the purchase of renewable energy sources, municipalities slow the growth of New York's growing clean-tech economy, as well as hamper the market for the renewable energy. However, a bill in the Legislature, S.4599-A/A.7096-A, amends the municipal purchase law to include energy efficient products like hydro, wind and solar power. Expanding energy products made available for public use strengthens the state's green economy, and is an ecologically sound continuation of the law. For those reasons, the New York League of Conservation Voters strongly supports the passage of S.4599-A/A.7096-A.

Deadline for action: 7/30/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4751 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4751 Fri, 2 Jul 2010 16:52:33 GMT
At nearly $2,411 per housing unit, New York residents have the ninth highest energy expenditures nationwide. Legislation to update the state's energy conservation construction code would not only lower energy costs for New Yorkers, but also help to create a cleaner environment. This important piece of legislation will alleviate New Yorkers' staggering energy costs by requiring greater energy performance in new homes. Although additional costs could be incurred by incorporating energy efficiency features into the design of new homes, they will be recouped during the lifetime of the home, with increasing energy prices only shortening the payback period. Additionally, the legislation requires all new residential buildings to achieve at least a 20 percent reduction in energy consumption compared to those built to conventional standards, while buildings with a floor area of 6,000 feet or more have to achieve at least a 35 percent reduction. With this legislation finally moving, we need your help to convince the full Senate that New Yorkers demand a cleaner environment and lower energy costs. With your help, we can reduce energy bills, spur job growth, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions!

Deadline for action: 7/30/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4752 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4752 Fri, 2 Jul 2010 16:53:37 GMT
In New York State, 1 in 5 traffic deaths are pedestrians. In the New York City metropolitan area, 31 percent of traffic deaths are pedestrians. Despite these awful statistics, the design and construction of most New York State roadways has placed the needs of motorists above those of bicyclists, pedestrians and other users. A bill currently in the state Legislature would amend the highway law, requiring public roads be designed with all users in mind. This legislation addresses public safety issues by recognizing bicycle, pedestrian and other transit modes as integral to the transportation system, and places the needs of all users on equal footing during roadway planning, design and construction. Additionally, an improvement to the safety, access and mobility of non-auto modes of transportation would lead to a reduction in the state's greenhouse gas emissions, as more people ditch their cars for bikes or decide to walk. In addition, the economy will benefit from the legislation. A 2009 study by the Toronto Clean Air Partnership found that people who walk and bike often spend more at local retail outlets. With this legislation finally moving, we need your help to convince the full Senate that New Yorkers demand streets that are accessible to all individuals.

Deadline for action: 7/30/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4754 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4754 Fri, 2 Jul 2010 16:50:39 GMT
The New York League of Conservation Voters support the New York Solar Industry Development and Jobs Act, an act which stimulates the state's green economy in its installations of solar projects in New York State. This legislation allows New York to reach its full potential in solar energy. Currently, New York has less than 36 MW of installed solar potential from it 1,200 photovoltaic (PV) systems. The Act creates a regulatory framework that leverages the market to invest in the production, marketing, and installation of PV systems. With the legislation in place, installations of PV systems will achieve 5,000 MW,and reach a solar capacity by 2025. The Act also plans to generate $20 billion in economic activity through 2025 and expect a $1 billion output through 2047. The Act stimulates the green economy, creating additional jobs and a self sustaining market. It is clearly a win-win for all New Yorkers, which is why the New York League of Conservation Voters strongly supports its passage.

Deadline for action: 7/30/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4755 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4755 Fri, 2 Jul 2010 16:52:05 GMT
Scientific researchers have provided strong evidence that the Earth's climate is warming due to increasing levels of greenhouse gasses (GHG) like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, in the atmosphere. The rising amounts of GHGs are caused in significant part by human activity, including industrial activities The Global Warming Pollution Control Act establishes greenhouse gas limits and a greenhouse gas reporting system. This bill addresses the critical issue of climate change by directing the Department of Environmental Conservation to establish a GHG emissions limit from all sources in New York State. New York must replace its piecemeal approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions with a comprehensive limit, as mandated by the Global Warming Pollution Control Act. Doing so sends a clear message to private investors that New York is committed to developing a green economy. It is this private investment that will spur the development and growth of green industries throughout the state, resulting in much-needed jobs and additional revenue sources. We need your help to convince the full Senate and Assembly that global warming must be addressed. Please join environmental advocates statewide in making your voice heard today!

Deadline for action: 7/30/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4750 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4750 Fri, 2 Jul 2010 16:51:46 GMT
One of the most formidable challenges facing New York’s agricultural industry is the intense pressure to develop farmland. In its report titled Picking up the Pace: A Road Map for Accelerating Farmland Protection in New York, the American Farmland Trust estimates that nearly 26,000 acres of farmland are developed each year in New York. In fact, three of the top 20 most threatened farming regions in the United States are located in the state. Development that takes place on open space and farmland is typically sprawl – the unplanned urban growth that happens outside existing water, sewer, electricity and transportation systems. Sprawl stretches local and state budgets, drives up property taxes, increases energy consumption and destroys habitat. The economic and sustainability imperatives for New York to curb this trend are obvious. Existing government programs do not, however, go far enough in protecting farmland. In the history of New York’s Farmland Protection Program, only 17,500 of the state’s $7.6 million acres of farmland have been preserved. New York has spent the second-lowest per capita and third-lowest overall on farmland protection of all Northeastern states. Consequently, New York’s farmers are at a competitive disadvantage while communities have limited options as they struggle with increasing development pressures. Recently, the Farmland Protection category in the Environmental Protection Fund of was cut 53%, or $12.25Million, from FY09-10 levels. At a time when deep cuts have been enacted for farmland preservation and loss of farmland remains a dire threat, we therefore urge you to consider amending this bill by dedicating 5% ($12.5M) of the projected $250M in franchise fees in FY 2010-11 (by the State Department of Budget) to the Farmland Protection category of the Environmental Protection Fund, to replenish an ill-conceived cut to a critical program which is responsible for ensuring that high quality, locally grown food is available to all New Yorkers upstate and downstate and at all socio-economic levels. New York State could leverage this new investment to help meet the approximate $70 million of commitments made through the Farmland Protection Program that have been delayed due to previous cuts and sweeps to the Environmental Protection Fund. We believe this amendment will make a very good bill even better as the Wine Industry and Liquor Store Revitalization Act is already a no-cost, revenue-generating solution without new taxes and, according to an analysis by the American Economic Group, create 2,000 net new jobs in production, sales and distribution in New York State.

Deadline for action: 7/30/2010.]]> http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4788 http://nylcv.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=4788 Fri, 2 Jul 2010 16:51:15 GMT