LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the New
York State Department of Environmental Conservation

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions which devote themselves to the welfare of the community and its
citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 40th Anniversary of the New York State Department of Environ-
mental Conservation, to be celebrated on Thursday, July 1, 2010; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
(DEC) was created on July 1, 1970, to combine in a single agency all
state programs designed to protect and enhance the environment; and
WHEREAS, The mission of the DEC is: "To conserve, improve and protect
New York's natural resources and environment and to prevent, abate and
control water, land and air pollution, in order to enhance the health,
safety and welfare of the people of the state and their overall economic
and social well-being."; and
WHEREAS, DEC's goal is to achieve this mission through the simultane-
ous pursuit of environmental quality, public health, economic prosperity
and social well-being, including environmental justice and the empower-
ment of individuals to participate in environmental decisions that
affect their lives; and
WHEREAS, The DEC's approximately 3,500 employees work tirelessly to
promote and conserve New York's natural resources, ensuring the preser-
vation of air, land and waters of the State for future generations; and
WHEREAS, These public servants perform the duties of their positions
admirably, with great concern and attention to quality, embodying the
the finest principles of diligence, proficiency, and service; and
WHEREAS, During the 1960s, changing public attitudes and the avail-
ability of scientific information that hinted at man's effects, intended
and unintended, on the environment led to the realization that govern-
ment had a strong role to play in preserving resources and keeping the
environment healthy; this expanded sense of awareness and responsibility
led directly to the establishment of DEC in 1970; and
WHEREAS, On April 22, 1970, the first Earth Day legislation was
signed, creating the New York State Department of Environmental Conser-
vation, one of the first government agencies specifically formed for the
purpose of overseeing all environmental concerns through one organiza-
tion; and
WHEREAS, DEC opened its doors on July 1, 1970, and immediately began
to wrestle with the urgent problems of the day, such as pesticides,
mercury pollution, solid waste, and recreational access, and with the
need to create an organization structured to deliver services across the
state; and
WHEREAS, During the 1970s, DEC not only assumed responsibility for
existing water quality programs, such as water treatment plants, but was
in the forefront of creating programs to deal with emerging and develop-
ing issues like air pollution and solid and hazardous waste; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
continues to prosper today and well into the future; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation's distinguished record merits the recognition
and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the New York State Department of
Environmental Conservation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.