Issues: Going Green

Senator Co-sponsored Bill S8129B Calling for Hydrofracking Moratorium in Upstate Watershed 

Queens, NY, December 15, 2010 -- "Just imagine that your son or daughter pours themselves a cup of water, and it's brown. Or, it's cloudy with particles and chemicals.  That is exactly what is happening to families in other states--Texas, Colorado, and Pennsylvania--who have rushed into drilling for natural gas with a procedure known as hydrofracking.  A Pennsylvania couple had even joined my August press conference at City Hall to share their story and show the assembled reporters the jar of brown, smelly water that comes out of their household water tap.  

Leading environmental advocates, elected officials and community groups joined together to celebrate enactment of the Smart Growth Infrastructure Policy Act (S.5560B/A.8011B). On August 30, 2010, Governor Paterson signed this important legislation into law, which establishes state smart growth infrastructure criteria and requires state agencies to review and consider these guidelines when allocating funds for public infrastructure projects.

The law requires the relevant state agencies to form smart growth advisory committees that will consult with residents, environmental groups, local officials and other stakeholders before approving state construction projects.

Governor signs bill to combat sprawl and promote environmentally sound development

Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (D-Mamaroneck) is pleased to announce that her bill, the State Smart Growth and Infrastructure Policy Act (S.5560B/A.8011B) was signed into law on August 30, 2010.  The new law establishes state smart growth infrastructure criteria and requires state agencies to review and consider these guidelines when allocating funds for public infrastructure projects.