Governor Andrew Cuomo released his $152.3 million budget proposal for 2017-18 last night, but not with any sort of public presentation. He briefed legislators on the budget during the day and reporters later that night. The way that Cuomo’s handling this budget breaks hard from tradition. Usually, he explains the budget to legislators and the […]
clean water
Posted inNews & Opinion
Federal microbead ban is now law
Starting July 1, 2017, manufacturers will no longer be allowed to include plastic microbeads in personal care and cosmetic products. The House and Senate passed legislation establishing the ban earlier this month, and President Barack Obama signed the final bill yesterday. Previously, several states banned microbeads and major retail chains such as Wegmans announced plans […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
County Republicans punt on microbead ban
A Democratic proposal to ban the sale of personal care products containing plastic microbeads may not doomed after all. Republicans on the Monroe County Legislature’s Agenda/Charter committee last night referred the measure to the county administration for further study. Members of the GOP caucus have said that the issue should be handled at the federal […]
Posted inNews & Opinion
Collections net tons of unused prescription drugs
In the first three months of 2014, Monroe County collected approximately 1.55 tons, or 3,099 pounds, of unused prescription drugs. Prescription drug take-backs began a few years ago when reports surfaced that pharmaceutical chemicals were being detected in many water bodies, including the Great Lakes. Improper disposal of unused medication is seen as a major source […]
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State legislators propose massive environmental financing legislation
Two State Legislature committee chairs are proposing a new $5 billion environmental bond act.
Posted inNews & Opinion
DEC clarifies position on Hemlock-Canadice drilling
A few weeks ago, the Department of Environmental Conservation released a draft of its management plan for Hemlock-Canadice State Forest. At the time, I wrote an article about the plan and pointed out that it did not, in plain language, rule out gas drilling on the lands. I also wrote that the plan suggested DEC […]
