Environmental Watchdog Sees Good, Green Outcomes from SAGE Commission Meeting

ALBANY, NY (12/16/2011)(readMedia)-- In response to the outcomes of this week's meeting of the Spending and Government Efficiency (SAGE) Commission, Environmental Advocates of New York released the following statement:

"Yesterday the SAGE Commission outlined some positive green steps for New York State. By creating a web-based system for the state's water pollution permit program (SPDES), New Yorkers will gain access to valuable information about exactly what is released into our lakes, rivers and streams. The commission's recommendations regarding energy efficiency could save the state up to $100 million per year, while cutting the use of dirty fossil fuels and the air pollution that causes climate change and illnesses like asthma.

Realigning state agency functions and permits could have beneficial outcomes, but only if such changes do not affect critical functions that protect our health and safety, as well as our shared environment."

Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. Visit www.eany.org to learn more.