|
 Assemblyman David Koon (D-Perinton) announced that in recognition of Earth Day, the Assembly passed several pieces of important legislation designed to better protect New York’s environment.
“Protecting and preserving our environment is critical to our health and well-being, as well to that of future generations of New Yorkers,” Assemblyman Koon said. “Each year the Assembly celebrates Earth Day by putting forth legislation that will help preserve the environment and help us all make smarter choices when it comes to making New York a healthy state to live and work in.” “One specific piece of legislation which prohibits the manufacturing and distribution of decabrominated diphenyl ether (decaBDE), a commonly used flame retardant, hits close to home,” Assemblyman Koon said. “Last year I participated in a nationwide study during which individuals from all regions and all walks of life were tested for 20 different harmful chemicals. The study revealed that, unbeknownst to me, this harmful ether was present in my body. Although I was surprised by this revelation, I really shouldn't have been -- other studies have revealed that decaBDE is found in the water we drink, the air we breathe, and can even be passed from mothers to their infants. We must do all we can at the state level to inform New Yorkers about, and protect them from, these harmful chemicals.” Limiting exposure to hazardous wastes and pesticides To further protect New Yorkers from exposure to dangerous pesticides and other hazardous materials, the Assembly also passed bills to: - investigate pesticide use in urban areas by establishing a State Urban Pesticide Board, which would make recommendations to the governor and Legislature to limit unnecessary human exposure to pesticides (A.5299);
- phase out pesticide use by New York State agencies – reducing toxic threats to humans, wildlife and water (A.1142-A);
- requiring testing of drinking water from private wells upon the transfer of property (A.7231);
- Reducing waste and pollution; encouraging recycling
The Assembly’s Earth Day package contains several measures to limit pollution and waste by encouraging recycling. This legislation: - requires manufacturers of certain electronic equipment (computers, televisions, etc.) to develop recycling programs (A.8444-B);
- establishes the New York State Healthy and Green Procurement Act, which would require state agency purchases to meet certain standards for recycled content, waste reduction, energy efficiency and green buildings (A.7483-A);
- requires retail stores over 10,000 square feet (50,000 sq. feet for stores in a mall) to have easily accessible, recycling bins and accept clean bags for return/recycling (A.8810-C).
Kathy Curtis of Clean New York said: "We applaud Assemblyman Koon's championship of environmental health legislation in general, and the bill to require safer, less toxic flame retardants in furniture and electronics in specific. We encourage other legislators to follow his lead and advance legislation to get toxic chemicals out of products we use every day." ::April 15, 2008:: |
