The following article is from the April 2007 issue of

Assemblymember Robert Sweeney is the newly appointed chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee in the state assembly. NYLCV sat down with Sweeney to talk climate change, energy, and the working relationship he hopes to share with his counterpart (and fellow Long Islander) in the state senate, Carl Marcellino.

NYLCV: Congratulations on your EnCon appointment. What advice did your predecessor, Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, give you before you took over the helm?

Sweeney: Tom told me that I would enjoy the work and issues associated with the committee. As usual, he was right.

NYLCV: You have a new partner in government with fellow Long Islander, Senator Carl Marcellino as Chair of EnCon. Having served with him since 1995, what issues of mutual concern do you see the two of you shepherding through your respective houses?

Sweeney: Carl and I have enjoyed a very good working relationship over the years on a variety of issues. I would anticipate that we will work together on many issues, including land preservation and water quality.

NYLCV: Given the impact of global warming on future generations, are you satisfied with the rate New York State is moving to address this issue? If not, what issues would you like to see leadership in the legislative and executive branches come to swift agreement on?

Sweeney: On this issue, it probably isn't possible to move fast enough. New York's Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) is a promising start. It is unclear whether the reductions and timetables are aggressive enough. It is very clear that more needs to be done on a national and international level. The Governor's proposal to establish a Climate Change Office at DEC is an encouraging sign regarding the administration's plans to further address this issue. The State should go beyond RGGI and look at greenhouse gas reduction strategies economy-wide.

NYLCV: I know this issue doesn't necessarily come before the committee, but energy security is a huge issue for the state and the entire nation. Given the projected increased demand, the great difficulty in siting power plants, and the critical need to cut carbon emissions, what trade-offs will New Yorkers have to make to meet our energy needs? For example, what role do you see for off-shore liquefied natural gas and wind facilities? And do you see a role for nuclear power in New York State?

Sweeney: I'm not a fan of nuclear power. We need to look at a broad range of alternatives. We need to invest in energy conservation, renewable energy projects, and clean energy. I will work to ensure that the proceeds from the auction of the allowances under RGGI are dedicated to such projects.

 

Newsletter Issue

• Ecopolitics Monthly --- April 2007