In honor of Earth Day, Assemblymember Phil Steck (D-Colonie) helped the Assembly pass a series of measures to preserve our environment and protect public health, as well as announced vital funding for local conservation efforts.

“Protecting our environment is a key component of protecting the health and well-being of our families,” said Assemblymember Steck. “These efforts will help preserve the natural resources we rely on, while moving New York to the forefront in sustainable living.”

Merging the Albany Pine Bush Preserve & the Woodlawn Preserve

Assemblymember Steck fought to increase funding for the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission by $350,000 in the 2015-16 state budget, for a total of nearly $2.5 million. The preserve is one of the last inland pine barrens ecosystems in the world and supports the endangered Karner Blue butterfly.

The additional funding will be used to consolidate the Albany Pine Bush preserve with its next door cousin, the Woodlawn Preserve in Schenectady, which currently lacks the resources necessary to preserve this valuable habitat. The Albany Pine Bush is prepared to take appropriate conservation measures with respect to the Woodlawn Preserve, thus promoting governmental efficiency.

“The Albany Pine Bush is an invaluable source of family recreation and learning right in our backyard,” said Assemblymember Steck. “These additional funds will allow the commission to work cooperatively with its sister organization, the Woodlawn Preserve of Schenectady, to protect and restore our area’s natural resources.”

Combating climate change

To help alleviate the effects of global warming, Assemblymember Steck helped pass an Earth Day legislative package which includes a measure that would require the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to establish limits on greenhouse-gas emissions and create a greenhouse-gas reporting system (A.6072).

“New York’s recent storms and severe winter weather have proven that climate change is a serious threat,” said Assemblymember Steck. “By making a concerted effort to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, we can better protect our environment and prevent some of the most dangerous effects of climate change.”

Protecting our families from harmful chemicals

The Assembly’s Earth Day package also aims to protect families from harmful chemicals and pollutants that can contaminate drinking water or otherwise cause severe health effects. The “Microbead-free Waters Act” would prohibit the sale of personal cosmetic products containing small plastic pieces known as microbeads (A.5896). In addition, mercury-added lamps and dangerous chemicals found in products meant for children would be subject to strengthened restrictions under the new legislation (A.5612, A.5844).

“Unfortunately, many of the products we use every day are taking a toll on our environment and our community’s health and safety,” said Assemblymember Steck. “These bills go a long way in promoting the use of less toxic alternatives and will help keep our families safe.”

Strengthening standards for crude oil transport

Following the recent derailments of trains carrying highly volatile crude oil, Assemblymember Steck has reintroduced two bills to promote public safety by increasing penalties for trains blocking highway crossings and strengthening protections for citizens harmed by blocked crossings (A.3307, A.3280). These trains, which are often outdated, can carry unstable crude oil through the Capital District and across New York State, posing a threat to the local environment and proving especially dangerous when idling in or traveling through densely populated areas.

In an effort to ensure crude oil is transported safely, Assemblymember Steck has written letters calling on the U.S. Department of Transportation to increase safety regulations and stabilize Bakken crude oil before it passes through our communities. If the oil is not stabilized, it is highly explosive and poses a serious danger to the health and safety of Capital Region residents.