Schenectady County recently released its 2009 "State of the Environment" report. Produced by the Schenectady County Environmental Advisory Council, the annual report provides an in-depth look at the environmental issues facing the county, including the progress that has been made so far and recommendations for future action. 

This year's report is the first to contain a section on energy and climate change, reflecting growing concern on this topic.  The report acknowledges several resolutions recently passed by the County Legislature supporting energy conservation.  Also mentioned is an energy plan currently being developed by the County Department of Economic Development and Planning, which will include an inventory on energy consumed by County facilities. Ray Gillen, director of the economic development department, will be a special guest at NYLCV's Dec. 14 EcoBreakfast in Albany.

The report reveals that progress has been made on a number of other fronts. Recycling rates have reached an all time high, though they still fall below goals set by the state.  Air quality in Schenectady remains good, despite several occurrences of elevated ozone during the summer. Most of Schenectady's Superfund and brownfield sites, a legacy of the county's role as an early center of industry, are in various stages of cleanup. 

Additional information on the state of Schenectady County's environment can be found by downloading the report from the County Web site.