New York is home to many of our nation’s greatest lakes, rivers, and forests. Our environment brings us both recreational and economic benefits every day, from vacationers who hike the Adirondacks and fish Lake Ontario to hydropower production along the St. Lawrence River. Yet, with these natural resources comes responsibility: we need to be faithful environmental stewards and protect our natural treasures.
In Congress, this is a charge I have taken seriously. We just celebrated Earth Day on April 22, and I believe there are three clear steps that, as part of a comprehensive environmental plan, would benefit the 23rd District of New York.
First, I have authored and introduced legislation that will combat four pollutants — mercury, carbon, nitrogen oxide, and sulfur dioxide — that are adversely affecting our nation and region. The combined impact of these pollutants cannot be overstated: from acid rain to climate change, Northern and Central New York suffer the effects of these pollutants on the environment, the economy and our health.
My legislation, the Healthy Air and Clean Water Act, would implement stringent emissions reductions on coal-fired power plants. Specifically, the bill would require a 90 percent reduction in mercury emissions by 2011, an 80 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2050, and a 75 percent reduction in nitrogen and sulfur emissions by 2010.
Second, I am continuing to work in the House of Representatives to ensure full funding for critical acid rain monitoring programs. Historically, three programs — the Clean Air Status and Trends Network (CASTNET), Temporary Integrated Monitoring of Ecosystems (TIME), and Long-Term Monitoring (LTM) — have evaluated different aspects of acid rain in the Adirondacks and elsewhere. These vital initiatives help to ensure that we have the data necessary to accurately measure the extent of the problem and how well the recovery programs are operating.
Unfortunately, the Bush administration’s 2009 budget proposes to cut the CASTNET program by $1 million — a nearly 25 percent reduction — and totally eliminate funding for both the TIME and LTM programs. Most importantly, the cuts would significantly impact the recovery of the Adirondacks. Recently, 15 of my colleagues joined me in sending letters to the two House committees that control funding for these programs urging the cuts be restored, and I will continue to fight to maintain these vital initiatives as the budget process advances.
Finally, we need to ensure that Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River are appropriately managed. Currently, the failed water levels plan that has been in place since the 1950s has severely damaged the lake and river. When the original plan was written 50 years ago, we did not have the tools and knowledge necessary to understand the detrimental impact the wrong plan would ultimately have on the environment. Today, however, those tools do exist. Accordingly, there is no excuse for the International Joint Commission (IJC) — the body charged with regulating the water levels of the lake and river — to propose Plan 2007. The selection negates years of public input and fails to adequately protect the environment. I will continue to use the legislative tools at my disposal to ensure the IJC selects Plan B+, which minimizes adverse ecological effects while best meeting the needs of my constituents who live, work, and vacation along the lake and river.
There is much we can do here in New York to better protect our environment. These three steps are but a part of the picture. Still, if properly funded and maintained, each can make a significant difference in the ecological health of our region. As evidenced through our tourism-based economy, a healthy environment leads to greater economic gains and an enhanced quality of life. As in the past, I will continue to push in Congress for legislation and programs that benefit our environment.
