Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced he helped pass a series of measures to protect the environment, while creating a clear path to a more sustainable future. This legislation is part of the Assembly’s effort to promote a safer and cleaner environment for every community across New York State.

“The future of our state depends on the steps we take today to protect our resources and public health,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “We must always act in a responsible, sustainable manner if we want to ensure a clean, viable environment for generations to come.”

The Assembly’s legislative package includes measures to ensure simple household items are safe for our families by restricting the use of dangerous chemicals in products meant for children (A.5612-A), and creating stricter standards for lamps containing mercury (A.5844-A)

The Assembly’s Earth Day package also includes measures that:

• require the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) publish a list of “high local environmental impact zones” and consider various factors that contribute to an area’s environmental health (A.3382);
• establish a permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group and an Environmental Justice Interagency Coordinating Council within the DEC to create environmental justice policies that state agencies would then be required to adopt and abide by (A.3063); and
• establish a moratorium on the DEC’s plan to eradicate all but a small number of mute swans (A.9289).

“Our environment is a precious resource,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “Taking these steps to protect the earth is the responsible thing to do. We must continue on the path to building a greener New York State.”