A bunch of environmental preservation and advocacy groups have weighed in on Gov. David Paterson’s State of the State speech. I’ll paste them in after the break. There’s five of them, so enjoy – Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Scenic Hudson, Environmental Advocates, New York League of Conservation Voters and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

PRESS STATEMENT

For immediate release:
January 7, 2009

Press Statement on Governor Paterson’s State of the State

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

“We are encouraged to see Governor Paterson’s continued enthusiasm and leadership in advancing renewable energy and energy efficiency throughout New York State.  The goal of achieving 45% of our electric energy from energy efficiency and renewable resources by 2015 is laudable and achievable.   This goal necessitates large scale solar projects, as well as on and offshore large-scale wind projects.  It’s important that New York continues to work towards energy independence, relying on clean, emission-free fuel sources that creates jobs and protects our environment.

“It’s good news that Governor Paterson continues to encourage President elect Obama to include wastewater infrastructure money in the federal economic recovery package.  Wastewater infrastructure monies would result in cleaner waters and good jobs, both of which New Yorkers want and need.  CCE is aggressively working with the Governor to achieve this goal.

“We are disappointed that in the Governor’s State of the State, he failed to highlight the importance of protecting and restoring our oceans, estuaries, and Great Lakes, as well as preserving open space and farmland throughout New York.  In the Governor’s budget, the Environmental Protection Fund was cut disproportionately by over 20%, and the funding linked to phantom sources that currently do not exist.  This dedicated environmental fund, provides critical monies for protecting and restoring our land and water resources.  Even during tough economic times, it’s critical that we protect human health, green jobs, and are able to provide clean air and clean water for residents.  This means protecting the stable, historical funding source for the Environmental Protection Fund.

“The Governor called for shared sacrifices, yet we must be careful to preserve our community character and the culture and spirit of New York State.  This means ensuring a stable, reliable source of money for our environmental programs now and in the future.”

Supported by over 80,000 members, Citizens Campaign for the Environments empowers communities and advocates solutions to protect public health and our shared environment. 

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From Scenic Hudson:

“Scenic Hudson appreciates the governor’s commitment to fund important shovel-ready projects during the Hudson River’s Quadricentennial year and his articulation of the need for clean, renewable energy, but we have major concerns for New York’s environment and the future of the Hudson River Valley Region,” said Andy Bicking, director of public policy for Scenic Hudson.

“The Quadricentennial initiatives – including turning a derelict railroad bridge in Poughkeepsie into the world’s longest elevated public park – will help revitalize communities and local economies, but deep cuts in other environmental, municipal assistance and land protection programs will have heavy negative impacts. What the Hudson Valley needs now, more than ever, is for the governor to articulate his plan for the health and economic recovery of the Hudson Valley.  The region possesses great assets, which properly understood, could serve as the backbone of economic rejuvenation while safeguarding drinking water, providing clean air and attracting investment from private and other public sources,” added Mr. Bicking.

Mr. Bicking commented, “Governor Paterson’s proposal to cut the Environmental Protection Fund and significantly reduce its source of stable funding jeopardizes the revitalization of riverfront communities and other critical economic elements for this heavily populated region – including the Hudson River Estuary program, which has a strong track record of protecting the health of the Hudson River, and those helping to maintain our vital farming industry and the healthy food it produces.

“Also his proposal to dissolve the Hudson River Greenway program would be a major setback for economic and environmental progress in the region.  This program brings the state major federal investments. It also provides a natural vehicle for communities and diverse stakeholders to collaborate and implement plans for future prosperity in the region,” stated Mr. Bicking.

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From Environmental Advocates:

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release:   January 7, 2009
GREEN RESPONSE TO GOV’S 2009 STATE OF THE (NY) STATE

ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOG PRAISES GOVERNOR PATERSON’S FOCUS ON INCREASING STATE INVESTMENT IN CLEAN ENERGY &  EFFICIENCY

(ALBANY, NY)—In his first State of the State address, Governor David Paterson stressed the role of continued investment in clean energy and efficiency play in strengthening our economy and cutting the pollution that is changing our climate. Environmental Advocates of New York praised the Governor for wielding these weapons in the fight against climate change while repeating the call to protect staff at the state agency charged with safeguarding the health of our air quality and drinking water.

Clean Energy & Efficiency
In his remarks today, Governor Paterson recommitted to realizing the state’s goal to reduce energy consumption by up to 15 percent by 2015, and called for an expansion of the state’s commitment to renewable energy. The Governor’s “45 by 15” goal includes an expansion of the amount of electric power purchased from clean, renewable sources from 25 to 30 percent.

The Governor also acknowledged the role that installing energy efficiency retrofits will play in the state’s weakened economy by increasing investments in workforce training through the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority and the State Education Department. According to the Governor, these coordinated efforts will create an estimated 50,000 jobs.

In addition, the Governor signaled his interest in helping schools, hospitals and universities become more energy efficient. Energy efficiency retrofits to New York’s schools, hospitals and universities will reduce energy use and related pollution, and should reduce costs for local governments across New York State.

Agency Staffing
Despite the hard budget choices ahead, Environmental Advocates of New York repeats its call on Governor Paterson to maintain staff levels at the state’s environmental agencies as they have little or no room for belt-tightening. Staff shortages at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) continue to jeopardize our natural resources and public health.

Environmental Advocates has long supported staff increases at the DEC and has documented the significant negative environmental impacts of staff cuts in two Endangered Agency reports, as well as two reports (Muddying the Waters and Permission to Pollute) highlighting how DEC staff shortages have reduced the state’s oversight of water pollution permits in violation of federal law.

While intended to produce short-term budget relief, the current DEC hiring freeze does not reconcile with the long-term needs of New Yorkers and the health of New York’s environment. Environmental Advocates will release additional information about how the State can protect the agency while reducing air pollution on January 8, 2009.

Environmental Advocates looks forward to a productive Legislative session.

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Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for implementing policy that protects natural resources and safeguards public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions, and has more than 7,000 individual and 130 organizational members. The 501©(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.

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From the New York League of Conservation Voters: