New York State Assemblyman Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (I, D, WF-Sag Harbor) announced he helped pass a series of measures to protect the environment and preserve public health by strengthening environmental justice policies and restricting the use of dangerous chemicals in children’s products.

“We have just one planet, and we must take action to protect it,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “This legislation will help protect natural resources, preserve public health and build a brighter, more sustainable future for New York State. A healthy environment is vital to the safety and wellness of our families.”

Pursuing environmental justice

Historically, low-income communities have been disproportionately affected by the siting of new projects with adverse environmental impacts. Areas with existing environmental hazards are frequently chosen for new projects that have the potential to further exacerbate environmental hazards within that area and unfairly put residents’ health at risk, Thiele noted. To address this inequity, the Assembly passed a bill that would require the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to publish a list of “high local environmental impact zones” and consider various factors that contribute to an area’s environmental health (A.3382).

Moreover, legislation was passed to 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).

“A healthy environment is a priceless gift that every New Yorker must benefit from,” said Assemblyman Thiele. “By shielding low-income communities from environmental hazards, we can help protect the health and well-being of those families who need it most.”

Protecting families from harmful chemicals

To ensure that children’s products are safe for our kids, the Assembly passed legislation to restrict the use of dangerous chemicals in products meant for children (A.5612-A). Other legislation included a bill to create stricter standards for lamps containing mercury (A.5844-A). Medical research has shown that exposure to high levels of mercury can have severe health effects that include neurological damage, particularly for children and infants.

“No parent should ever have to worry that a children’s toy or simple household item might have adverse effects on their child’s health,” said Thiele. “Limiting the use of dangerous chemicals in products designed for our kids will help keep our families healthy and give more New Yorkers the peace of mind they deserve.”

Encouraging public involvement and science-based decision making

The Assembly also passed legislation to establish a moratorium on the DEC’s plan to eradicate all but a small number of mute swans. (A.9289). The DEC has suggested the swans damage local ecosystems, but public hearings and additional research are necessary before those claims can be substantiated, making it necessary to examine the issue further, Thiele noted.