NYLCV Events


Westchester Dinner
02.17.09

Upcoming events

Add to iCalendar
more

Search

  
Home » Capital District » Albany

Diverting Environmental Funds Can Harm Region

Source: Times Union
Publication Date: Thursday, February 28, 2008
Gov. Eliot Spitzer's proposal to divert $125 million from the state's Environmental Protection Fund would have significant consequences for the Capital Region.

The EPF supports the Albany Pine Bush Commission, which protects one of the best remaining inland pine barrens ecosystems in the world. Last year, the EPF set aside $1 million for riverfront development in Rensselaer County. This year, another $3 million has been proposed for Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial preparations. The EPF is also a major source of funding for open-space acquisition, historic preservation and Hudson River management.

The governor and Legislature recognized the importance of the EPF last year, when they agreed to increase its overall funding. But the Capital Region would be taking one step forward and two steps back if half of this year's EPF budget were loaned to the general fund for other purposes.

Over the years, $322 million has been "borrowed" from the fund in this manner, and repayment does not appear likely anytime soon. If the governor's new budget amendments are approved, these IOUs would add up to $447 million -- leaving nearly a half-billion dollars of environmental projects twisting in the wind.

JAMES MELIUS, M.D.

Chairman Capital District Chapter New York League Of Conservation Voters.

Environmental Issues

Funding
email this page | printer friendly version
  

Stay Informed

Sign up for email alerts:

Visit our new Climate Action PAC!