Mark Grisanti's posts related to Environment

NY DEC Announces Plans to Modify Baitfish Transport Regulations

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Tuesday, March 1st, 2011

Revised Rules Will Address Overland Transport Restrictions

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Acting Commissioner Joe Martens today announced that DEC will propose revisions to the current rule restricting overland transport of uncertified baitfish.

“I appreciate the helpful criticism of the Department’s existing baitfish regulations and we are revising the rule accordingly,” said Acting Commissioner Joe Martens. “Fishing is an important part of our outdoor sports economy, and we expect anglers will welcome this change and support our common goal of protecting New York’s world class fisheries.”

Statement on the Confirmation of Joesph Martens, New DEC Chair of NY

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Tuesday, March 8th, 2011

"It is my pleasure to support the nomination of Joseph Martens as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Commissioner Martens appeared before the Senate Encon Committee and was passed out unanimously. During his hearing, Commissioner Martens took the time to answer each and every question presented to him, and I thank him for that. In the brief time I have known Commissioner Martens he has shown himself to be an open minded individual willing to work with anyone on issues affecting the stewardship of this great State. For these reasons, I strongly support the nomination of Joseph Martens as Commissioner of the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation."

- Senator Mark J. Grisanti

Water withdrawal bill to hit Assembly floor-Politics on the Hudson

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Tuesday, May 3rd, 2011

A bill giving the state power to regulate massive water withdrawals from most New York streams and rivers is set to come up for an Assembly vote today, and the Senate’s Environmental Conservation chair said he expects his house to act soon.

Assemblyman Robert Sweeney, D-Babylon, said he expects the legislation – which would require the state Department of Environmental Conservation to create a permit program for withdrawals over 100,000 gallons – to pass easily.

DEC Commisoner Martens, Sen. Grisanti & Assemblyman Sweeny Join Generations of Enviromentalists at 21st Annual Earth Day Lobby Day

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Thursday, May 5th, 2011

State Lawmakers Join Groups to Protect NY’s Air, Land & Water, Advance High Priority Super Bills on May 2

ALBANY, NY (05/02/2011)—Hundreds of concerned citizens from across New York State traveled to Albany today to call on lawmakers to pass the environmental community’s priority “Super Bills.” New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens, State Senator Mark Grisanti and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney joined attendees at the 21st annual Earth Day Lobby Day and spoke in support of legislation to protect New York’s environment.

Plans Move Foward To Install Sprinkler To Help Clean Hoyt Lake

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Saturday, May 14th, 2011

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Representatives from the Olmsted Parks Conservancy, State Senator Mark Grisanti's office, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt's office and the Army Corps of Engineers met Friday afternoon to discuss their plan to clean up Hoyt Lake.

They agreed to install a fountain system to help supply oxygen to the water. Senator Grisanti already secured $100,000 in Albany to pay for the project.

Because a previous fountain was installed in the lake decades ago, some environmental studies can be bypassed.

Sen. Grisanti's Legislation Passes in Senate: "Adopt-a-Park" Program Bill Would Facilitate Volunteer-Driven Park Improvement Projects and Beautification

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Monday, May 16th, 2011

The New York State Senate today passed the “Adopt-a-Park” bill, which allows the state and municipalities to work together to develop agreements with volunteers to beautify park lands. Bill S.2686A, sponsored by Senator Mark Grisanti (R, North Buffalo), would assist local governments in continuing to provide communities with safe and enjoyable public spaces by allowing volunteer groups to provide services to enhance and maintain parks.

Senate passes bill that helps to make products for children safer

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011

New York State Senator Mark Grisanti recently announced the passage of legislation that he sponsored that prohibits the sale of products aimed at children under the age of three containing the flame retardant chemical TRIS 2-chloroethyl phosphate.

This measure, which was also sponsored byNew York State Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, is the first of its kind nationwide.

Water withdrawal legislation

http://www.youtube.com/nysenate#p/u/0/ygdiC8XXT2s

BUFFALO NEWS: Ground Broken In LaSalle Area Of Niagara Falls

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Monday, August 15th, 2011

LaSalle makes up a distinct part of the city’s fabric. Home to the city’s only branch library, a community organization and proud, vocal residents, the neighborhood has been missing one key component:

A park where residents will finally have access to the undeveloped shoreline of the Niagara River.

“The LaSalle neighborhood has rediscovered itself,” Mayor Paul A. Dyster said today in LaSalle Waterfront Park. “It’s rediscovered its history, which is a history that is closely linked with the waterfront.”

Dyster joined Sen. Mark Grisanti, R-Buffalo, and other local and state officials today to officially break ground on the park, though chainsaws and chippers have already been blaring.

WNED 970 AM: Grisanti urges further fracking review

Posted by Mark Grisanti on Friday, August 19th, 2011

Dozens of groups across New York want more time to review the state’s proposed “fracking” rules.

76 organizations representing thousands of residents signed a letter to Governor Andrew Cuomo and the Department of Environmental Conservation urging them to extend the public comment period.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is supporting groups request, including State Senator Mark Grisanti.

“The public itself doesn’t have time to review it,” Grisanti told WNED News.

The DEC’s draft regulations for the controversial natural gas drilling process weigh in at more than a thousand pages and the public, right now, will get 60 days to review the complex document and respond.

Grisanti is Chair of the Senate’s Environmental Conservation Committee.