The following article is from the March 2007 issue of

Although Governor Spitzer has already nominated many of his appointments for state agencies and authorities, most are still awaiting scrutiny and ultimately approval by the state senate.

In the case of the Empire State Development Corporation, the state's economic development agency, the governor has divided the leadership into upstate and downstate components to reflect the dire need for more focus on reinvigorating the upstate economy. He has nominated two individuals: Patrick Foye for the downstate region and Daniel Gunderson for the upstate region.

With the approval process for the nominations underway, NYLCV is working hard to ensure that its legislative and executive environmental priorities for 2007 are compatible with the state's economic growth priorities. Environmental protection is not just consistent with sustained economic growth and profitability across New York State, but it is an essential component, especially in Central and Western New York.

As we put the final touches on our state agenda, it is clear that one important action step the state can take is to provide better coordination and oversight over the 117 Industrial Development Agencies (IDAs) around New York State. IDAs are the frontline providers of economic development resources for local businesses. The state should require assurances that their grantees are balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Specifically, it should set achievable standards for IDA grantees that include sensible economic development (aka smart growth) and energy efficiency principles.

To find out more about IDAs, where they are, and what they do, take a look at a recent report issued in May 2006 by the state comptroller's office.

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- March 2007