In recognition of Earth Day, Assemblyman Al Stirpe (D-Cicero) announced the passage of a series of measures that will help protect our environment and public health, while paving the way for a more sustainable future. The Assembly’s legislation will help fight climate change, minimize pollution, protect our children and families, and ensure the safety of our drinking water.

“Earth day reminds us that every individual plays a crucial role in protecting our planet,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “The legislation passed by the Assembly today will help promote a safe and a healthy lifestyle for our families by shielding us from harmful chemicals and encouraging environmentally sound practices.”

The Assembly’s Earth Day package includes measures that do the following:

• establish limits on greenhouse-gas emissions and create a greenhouse-gas reporting system to help fight back against the dangers of climate change (A.6072);
• requires the DEC to publish a list of “high local environmental impact zones” to make sure all communities are safe from environmental hazards (A.3382);
• establish a permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group and an Environmental Justice Interagency Coordinating Council to require that state agencies adopt policies to achieve environmental justice (A3063);
• helps to keep our children safe by restricting the use of dangerous chemicals in child products, (A.5612);
• creates strict standards for mercury-added lamps to protect our families from exposure to harmful chemicals (A.5844); and
• prohibits the sale of personal cosmetics products that contain microbeads, helping to keep our drinking water supply clean and free from dangerous toxins (A.5896)

“From the many lakes to the various parks and nature preserves, Central New York is filled with so much physical and natural beauty,” said Assemblyman Stirpe. “It is important for us as a state and a nation to do our part now to preserve our natural resources – not just for ourselves – but for future generations.”