VOTERS’ GUIDE
2009the guide to the environmental records of New York State lawmakers TABLE OF CONTENTS EPL/Environmental Advocates is one of the first organizations in the nation formed to advocate for the future of a state’s 01 LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP environment and the health of its citizens. Through lobbying, advocacy, coalition build- 02 AWARDS ing, citizen education and policy development, EPL/Environmental Advocates has been New York’s environmental conscience for 40 years. We 04 By the numbers work to ensure environmental laws are enforced, tough new measures are enacted, and the public 05 Bill Summaries is informed of, and participates in, important policy debates. EPL/Environmental Advocates is a nonprofit corporation tax exempt under section 08 ASSE MBLY SCORES 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.
14 SENATE SCORES EPL/Environmental Advocates 353 Hamilton Street 16 H OW SCORES ARE CALCULATED Albany, NY 12210 (518) 462-5526 17 W HAT YOU CAN DO www.eplvotersguide.org
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HOW TO READ THE SCORECARD
NYPA Efficiency & Clean Energy Projects Lawmakers’ scores are calculated as follows: Transmission Line Intervenor Funds Energy Planning Reauthorization Total points earned (including bonus points) Total points possible for each individual. Please note: BecauseForest Preserve Land bonus Exchange points were awarded / Green Jobs - Green New York Environmental Access to Justice this year, several lawmakers received scores in excess of 100. See Page 16 for moreGlobal information. Warming Pollution Act
Bigger Better Bottle Bill
Wetlands Protection Governor’sMTA Refinancing Action: S-Signed 2009 Score into Law, V-Vetoed 2008 Score E-waste Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 13 17 21 25 36 38 Governor David A. Paterson (D) S SSS S S S L L L L Party Eric L. Adams (D-20/Brooklyn) 83 82 L and Joseph Addabbo (D-15/Howard Beach) 71 N/A - - L See pages district James S. Alesi (R-55/Fairport) 29 70 ---- 5-7 for bill Darrel J. Aubertine (D-48/Watertown) 58 70 ---- summaries John J. Bonacic (R-42/Middletown) Inc 70 ---- N Correct Neil D. Breslin (D-46/Albany) 83 92 L L L L environmental John A. DeFrancisco (R-50/Syracuse) 17 72 ---- vote Ruben Diaz, Sr. (D-32/Bronx) Inc 85 L L L L N N N Martin Malave Dilan (D-17/Brooklyn) 60 83 --- L Thomas K. DuaneNot a (D-29/New Super York City) 77 94 L - L L PedroBill Espada, Sponsor Jr. (D-33/Bronx)Not in65 office/excusedN/A --- L Incorrect � Hugh T. Farley (R-44/Amsterdam)absence~not 29 72 counted ---- environmental vote John J. Flanagan (R-2/Smithtown) 35 79 --- L - Find out who represents you. BrianVisit www.assembly.state.ny.us Foley (D-3/Hauppauge) and www.senate.state.ny.us or call the New York State Senate at (518) 455-2800 and the New York State Assembly at (518) 455-4100. 2009 LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP Hope Among the Ruins
After the trials and tribulations of 2008, Albany leapt protect the Fund again next year. back into the spotlight this year when New York State Senate Republicans and Democrats began playing tug The Assembly passed about 40 environmentally of war with the keys to the Senate chamber. significant bills this year, continuing its tradition of sending a healthy green slate of legislation to their By now you’ve heard the sordid story. A leadership Senate colleagues. struggle in the State Senate led to chaos, partisan finger-pointing, multiple legal challenges, and a five- Gov’s Green Record Dying on the Vine week legislative stalemate. With state finances under pressure due to the economic recession, Governor David Paterson hacked As a result, more New Yorkers are paying attention to away at the State’s regulatory agencies in the name the State Capital than ever before, although for all the of cost cutting. Thanks to his careless action, the wrong reasons. Department of Environmental Conservation is facing its lowest staffing levels in more than 20 years. Prior to the stalemate, major environmental measures were winding their way through the committee Also early in the year, the Governor let slip that process. After the coup, legislative activity sputtered. he might weaken rules that guide the Regional In the end, only seven environmental bills passed Greenhouse Gas Initiative in order to favor polluters. the upper house. That’s far fewer bills than average, He changed his mind thanks to a little prodding. although some of the measures are significant. August 7th marked one of the Governor’s lowest Bright Spots in a Dim Picture points this year, when with the ink barely dry on an For the third year in a row, one of the environmental Executive Order designed to help address climate community’s priority Super Bills passed both houses. change, he began an ill-conceived regulatory review This year, the Bigger Better Bottle Bill expanded the process intended to undercut regulations designed to nickel deposit to bottled waters and will keep millions protect public health and safety. of containers out of our landfills and landscapes. The Scores A bill ensuring that revenues raised by the Regional The majority party in the Senate for the first time in Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the 10-state plan to reduce decades, Senate Democrats’ average score was 45 global warming pollution from power plants, will points higher than their Republican counterparts in be used to make homes and businesses more energy 2009. The green gap is wider than ever, reversing efficient and create the green labor force to do it, a trend toward more balanced scores. In this year’s passed unanimously in the Assembly. Green Jobs- Voters’ Guide, 66 points separate the Senate’s best Green New York went on to pass the Senate by a vote scores from the worst. For the big picture, go to Page of 52-8. It’s significant that 21 Republicans voted 4. Lawmakers’ scores begin on Page 8. against their leader, Senator Dean Skelos, to support Correct this major environmental initiative. 2010 Legislative Outlook environmental It’s likely that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver vote New York finally has a reauthorized energy planning (D-NYC) and dozens of his colleagues, especially process guided by statute and the Metropolitan Environmental Conservation Committee Chair Robert Transportation Authority should have enough Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), will continue sending the Incorrect environmental vote resources to operate a robust transit system. Senate a robust menu of environmental bills in 2010. Year after year, Speaker Silver shows a strong com- In fiscal matters, the State Legislature stopped some of mitment to environmental protection, which is one the hemorrhaging from the Environmental Protection of the reasons why EPL/Environmental Advocates is Fund, the funding stream for environmental projects honoring the Speaker’s efforts this year on Page 3. statewide. Lawmakers will likely be called upon to 1 www.eplvotersguide.org 2009 LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP continued
Reform? Will 2009 Turmoil Decide 2010 What’s less clear is whether much-hyped “reform” in Elections? the State Senate will open the gates for movement on With redistricting on the horizon, next year’s elec- environmental legislation. If the partisan atmosphere tion is critical. All of New York State’s incumbents subsides in the Legislature’s upper house—as it may are in the crosshairs with furious voters and must go have during the Green Jobs-Green New York vote— to great lengths to redeem themselves back home. new reforms could set the stage for major advances And if that’s the case, environmental protection and in environmental protection and a healthier legisla- further investment in a green economy should be on tive body. If and when that happens, legislation that their short list. requires manufacturers to take back electronic waste or allows citizens to challenge state environmental As you make up your mind next November, the quality review act determinations may finally make it Voters’ Guide can help you see who supported across the finish line. protecting New York’s environment—the health of our air, land and water, as well as 19 million New Yorkers—and who didn’t. It’s your New York and our lasting legacy. Decide wisely.
2009 OIL SLICK AWARD
Craig Johnson growing waste stream, protect public And throughout the year, Senator health and safety, and lower munici- Johnson did his best to stop prog- (D-Garden City) palities’ disposal costs. ress on environmental issues by speaking out behind closed doors In a year chock full of villains, But Senator Johnson thwarted prog- and encouraging others to join him. Senator Craig Johnson stands apart ress on E-waste. When the measure from his peers. EPL/Environmental came to the floor for a vote on July While he has plenty of company Advocates is giving the Senator this 16th, he abandoned his conference with his failing grade of 58, the year’s “Oil Slick” award for derailing and spoke out against the bill, say- Senator’s actions set him apart. environmental initiatives, despite ing he would vote “No” due to what New Yorkers have to wonder if he’s the support of his colleagues, the he perceived as “burdensome prob- listening to his constituents or cav- Assembly and Governor’s Office. lems for businesses like Canon…” ing to industry pressure and what As such, he aligned himself with one negative impact his actions might As 2009 began, hopes for environ- of Long Island’s biggest E-waste have on our air, land and water in mental bills were high. Democrats manufacturers. the years ahead. had control of the Senate for the first time in decades—by a razor- Although the Senator co-sponsored Without a strong majority, lawmak- thin two seats. Negotiations be- all of the environmental community’s ers like Senator Johnson have the tween the houses and the Governor priority Super Bills in 2008, he ne- power to set the agenda among produced legislation that would glected to support any green bills in their peers and New York’s environ- require manufacturers to recycle 2009, including legislation that would ment is unlikely to be better for it. toxic electronic waste (“E-waste”). reduce global warming pollution and E-waste is an environmental haz- protect Long Island from rising seas. ard, and this bill would address a
2 WRAP-UP continued LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR is one of the “three men in a room,” Kevin Cahill to pursue solid environ- after all) in negotiations on legislation mental and energy policy, to his leader- such as the Metropolitan Transporta- ship on the Environmental Protection tion Authority (MTA) refinancing. Fund and updating and expanding New From early support for aspects for York’s bottle deposit law to include the Ravitch plan, to working with his bottled waters, the Speaker has a stellar members to support limited tolling of record of achievement. certain New York bridges, to fighting to preserve and improve New York The numbers related to the Assembly’s City transportation infrastructure in accomplishments are striking. Under the final negotiations, the Speaker’s his leadership, the New York State As- leadership paved the way for a refi- sembly passed nearly 40 environmen- Sheldon Silver nancing deal that maintained service tally significant and protective bills this (D-New York City) and minimized fare hikes. year alone. The State Senate passed seven. We recognize the Speaker this Year after year, Speaker Silver and The Speaker also took the lead on ad- year, not just for these efforts, but for many of his Assembly colleagues vancing and developing Green Jobs- his personal involvement in certain lead the way when it comes to ad- Green New York, legislation designed issues. vancing protective environmental to increase the State’s investment in legislation in Albany. But it is clear energy efficiency and retrofit one mil- That’s why EPL/Environmental that the Speaker took a personal lion homes while creating thousands Advocates has chosen Speaker Silver interest in making sure a few en- of new green jobs. The Assembly as “Legislator of the Year” for 2009. vironmental priority measures got passed this bill with little controversy Thanks to Speaker Silver, New York is across the finish line in 2009. thanks in part to his efforts. From his a greener place to live. steadfast support of colleagues such Speaker Silver was a key figure (he as Assemblymen Robert Sweeney and
honorable mentions
Senator Antoine Thompson (D - Buffalo) In his first year as Chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee,Antoine Thompson dis- played an unwavering commitment to protecting New York’s air, land and water. He successfully guided a significant number of environmentally beneficial bills through his committee. He held hearings, rallied colleagues, served as a strong champion for environmental legislation, and reinvigorated the position of Committee Chair after years of inaction. Thanks in part to his efforts, New York’s bottle deposit law was updated to include bottled waters this year, a major achievement.
Senator Thomas Morahan (R - Nanuet) EPL applauds Senator Morahan for bucking party leadership to support Green Jobs-Green New York, which will increase energy efficiency and create new jobs. The Senator wholeheartedly supported this bill and rallied his colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to do the same. Thanks in part to his very public support, Green Jobs-Green New York passed 52 to 8. Senator Morahan is also to be commended for his long-standing leadership regarding legislative efforts to reduce global warming pollution.
Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D - Lindenhurst) Our Legislator of the Year owes a great deal to this man. As Chair of the Assembly Environmental Conser- vation Committee, Robert Sweeney never fails to demonstrate dedication to protecting the environment and New Yorkers. The Assemblyman is responsible for the passage of dozens of important environmental bills, including all five of the environmental community’s Super Bills for 2009. He continues to be the “go- to” guy for green legislation in Albany.
3 www.eplvotersguide.org BY THE NUMBERS
A Quick Look at NYS Lawmakers’ Scores
NYS Assembly NYS Senate
Top Assembly Top Senate 103 Score 83 Score
Assembly Speaker Conference Leader Sheldon Silver 101 John Sampson 77
Assembly Senate 98 Democrats 73 Democrats Average Average
Assembly Majority Leader Majority Leader 97 Pedro Espada 65 Ron Canestrari
Senate President 58 Malcolm Smith
Assembly 63 Republicans Average
Assembly Senate Minority Leader 47 Republicans 30 Brian Kolb Average
Lowest Assembly Senate Minority Leader 40 Score 21 Dean Skelos
Lowest Senate Score 17
4 BILL SUMMARIES
1. Bigger Better Bottle Bill 2. Environmental Access to Justice Expands definition of “beverage” in Allows citizens to challenge State Environmental New York’s bottle deposit law to include Quality Review Act (SEQRA) decisions if they Super Bills bottled water (excluding water with can demonstrate they will suffer environmental added sugar), directs 80% of unclaimed injury from a proposed project without having SUPER BILLS are legislative priori- deposits to the State, and increases the to show that such harm is different than harm ties chosen by the Green Panel, which handling fee for retailers and redemption suffered by the public at large. A.3423 (Bradley, includes representatives from New York centers. A.159-B/S.59-B passed as part State’s leading environmental groups. et al)/S.1635 (Thompson, et al.) passed Super Bills not voted on are scored on SS of the State Budget. Enacted on April Assembly; died in Senate Rules Committee. bill sponsorship. For more information 7, 2009. see Page 16.
3. Wetlands Protection 4. E-Waste 5. Global Warming Pollution Ensures protection of fresh- Requires electronics manufacturers to collect Control Act water wetlands of one acre or and recycle a minimum percentage of annual Establishes a greenhouse gas emissions more in size. A.6363 (Sweeney equipment sales. Prohibits disposal of electronic (GHG) limit from all sources in New York and et al.)/S.848 (Marcellino, et equipment in traditional solid waste disposal requires that the limit not be greater than al.) passed Assembly; died in systems. A.9049 (Sweeney, et al.)/S.6047 statewide emissions for the year 1990. The Senate Environmental Con- (Thompson, et al.) passed Assembly; died in statewide limit would be reduced to 80 percent servation Committee. S.4956 Senate Rules Committee. below 1990 levels by 2050. A.7572 (Sweeney, (Thompson, et al.) died in Sen- et al.)/S.4315 (Thompson, et al.) passed As- ate Environmental Conserva- sembly; died in Senate Rules Committee. tion Committee.
6. Recyclables in Landfills 7. Citizen Suits Prohibits disposal of recyclable materials Gives New York citizens the right to bring civil action in landfills and incinerators and identifies against individuals who violate provisions of the materials for mandatory recycling, such State’s Environmental Conservation Law, including Three Tree Bills as newsprint, glass, metal containers protections against air pollution, hazardous waste, and certain plastics. A.1319 (Colton, et drinking water, solid waste facilities, mining sites and Bills with THREE TREES al.) passed Assembly; not introduced in pesticide storage and application. A.4272 (Brodsky et will bring major benefits to New York’s environment if Senate. al.)/S.1730 (Schneiderman, Thompson) passed As- implemented. sembly; died in Senate Codes Committee.
8. Climate Change Solutions Act & Fund 9. Healthy Green Procurement Earmarks revenue from the sale of carbon dioxide emis- Establishes protocols for purchase of ser- sions allowances under the Regional Greenhouse Gas vices, commodities and technologies by state Initiative for energy efficiency and clean energy and agencies with the goal of minimizing adverse creates a dedicated clean energy fund. A.6321 (Swee- impacts on the environment and public ney, et al.)/S.2764 (Thompson, et al.) passed Assembly; health. A.7038 (Sweeney, et al.)/S.4991 died in Senate Finance Committee. A.7017 (Gianaris, et (Thompson, et al) passed Assembly; died in al.)/S.5641 (Thompson, et al.) passed Assembly; died in Senate Finance Committee. Senate Finance Committee.
10. Ultra-Low Sulfur Oil 11. Nuclear Preparedness 12. Power Requirement Directs the Public Service Procurement Requires that all No. 2 heating oil Commission to determine costs Requires utilities to sold after January 1, 2011, for use for governments to maintain supply customer en- in the State may not have sulfur preparedness for emergencies at ergy needs while tak- content greater than 15 parts per nuclear facilities; establishes fees ing steps to minimize million. Allows for a temporary Two Tree Bills that nuclear facilities must pay to volatility of energy suspension of the requirement Bills with TWO TREES will reimburse preparedness expenses. prices. A.5409 (Bren- in event of a shortage. A.8642 bring substantial benefits to A.5193-A (Brodsky, et al)/S.4598- nan, et al.) passed As- (Sweeney, et al.)/S.1145-A (Per- New York’s environment if A (Stewart-Cousins) passed sembly; not introduced implemented. kins, et al.) passed Assembly; Assembly; died in Senate Rules in Senate. died in Senate Rules Committee. Committee.
5 www.eplvotersguide.org BILL SUMMARIES Two Tree Bills, continued
13. Energy Planning Reauthorization 14. BPA Ban 15. Outdoor Lighting Re-establishes the State Energy Planning Board Prohibits the manufacture, distri- Develops efficiency standards for new and and requires the adoption of a final state energy bution and sale of certain toys, replacement outdoor lighting used by state plan every four years. Planning process would products, food and beverage agencies and public corporations, provides involve detailed analysis of short- and long-term containers, or containers lined guidance for roadway and other nighttime statewide energy needs. A.5877-B (Cahill, et with other materials containing lighting. Identifies appropriate areas for “dark al.)/S.2501-B (Parker, Thompson) passed Bisphenol A (BPA) intended for sky preserves” to protect wildlife, enhance Assembly and Senate. Signed into law by use by children under three. night sky viewing. A.7281 (Rosenthal, et Governor on September 16, 2009. A.6919-B (Englebright, et al.) al.)/S.2714 (Thompson, Parker) passed As- passed Assembly. sembly; died in Senate Rules Committee.
16. Net Metering Fix 17. MTA Refinancing 18. Environmental Corrects laws passed in 2008 that Provides for the refinancing Impact Reports allow businesses and commercial of the MTA’s operating and Requires Department entities to net meter and increases short-term capital needs. of Environmental the size of systems. Eliminates Imposes a series of fees and Conservation to issue provisions that allow utilities to curtail taxes to support a robust biennial report listing areas the size of systems customers can transportation system. A.8180 most adversely affected install. A.7557 (Cahill, et al.)/S.4993 (Silver, et al.)/S.5451 (Dilan, by existing environmental (Thompson, et al.) passed Assembly; Perkins) passed Assembly hazards. A.8489 (Peoples, died in Senate Energy and Telecom- and Senate. Signed into law Rosenthal) passed munications Committee. by Governor on May 7, 2009. Assembly.
19. Environmental Justice Advisory 20. Assembly Article 10 21. Green Jobs-Green New York Group Re-establishes the law that Directs the New York State Research & Incorporates environmental justice principles provides for expedited power Development Authority to establish and into state agency decision making. Establishes plant siting and establishes power oversee a statewide building efficiency permanent Environmental Justice Advisory Group plant emissions performance retrofit program by financing energy within the Department of Environmental Conser- standards and protections for efficiency audits and installations in resi- vation and an Environmental Justice Interagency lower-income and urban dential, multi-family, nonprofit and small Coordinating Council to report on effectiveness of neighborhoods. A.8696 (Cahill) business structures. A.8901 (Silver, et al.)/ environmental justice policies. A.8490-A (Peoples, passed Assembly; not introduced S.5888 (Aubertine, et al.) passed Assembly Rosenthal) passed Assembly; not introduced in in Senate. and Senate. Signed into law by Governor Senate. on October 9, 2009.
22. Utility Distributed 23. Ulster County CPA 24. Public Access to Generation Reporting Adds Ulster County to the Hudson Information Requires utilities to compile an- Valley Community Preservation Provides enhanced public nual reports regarding distributed Act (CPA), giving municipalities access to information from the generation/energy metering to be within Ulster County the power to Department of Environmental submitted to the Legislature, Pub- choose for themselves whether or Conservation through publi- One Tree Bills lic Service Commission and State not to raise revenue through real cations, open meetings and Bills with ONE TREE Energy Planning Board. A.237-B estate transfer tax for the purpose requests for public hearings. will benefit New York’s (Hevesi, et al.)/S.1660-A (Perkins) of preserving natural and historic A.838 (Dinowitz, et al.)/S.2093 environment if implemented. passed Assembly; died in Senate resources. A.593 (Cahill) passed (Thompson) passed Assembly; Energy and Telecommunications Assembly; not introduced in died in Senate Environmental Committee. Senate. Conservation Committee.
25. Transmission Line Intervenor Funds 26. Wetland Neighbor Notification Requires party filing an application to build a major electric Requires that nearby landowners are notified when a proposed transmission line to pay fee based on project size. Funds gener- activity in a tidal wetland requires a permit under state Environ- ated would be deposited into a state account to be accessed mental Conservation Law. A.2654 (Cusick, et al.)/S.507 (Lanza) by municipalities, nonprofit organizations or relevant community passed Assembly; died in Senate Environmental Conservation groups to defray costs of participating in siting proceeding. A.1122 Committee. (Destito, et al.)/S.1599-A (Valesky, et al.) passed Assembly and Senate. Signed into law by Governor on August 26, 2009.
6 One Tree Bills, continued
27. Orange County CPA 28. State Agencies 29. Small Business 30. Environmental Adds Orange County to the Hud- Greenhouse Gas Audit Energy Loans Justice & Permits son Valley Community Preserva- Requires state agencies Establishes small business en- Requires permit applicants tion Act (CPA), giving munici- to conduct annual audit of ergy loans under which small to disclose if siting of new palities within Orange County the greenhouse gas emissions, in- businesses receive either 0% environmental facility in a low- power to choose for themselves cluding steps taken to reduce or reduced interest-rate loans income or minority neighbor- whether or not to raise revenue emissions. A.3419 (Sweeney, up to $100,000 to finance hood would result in dispropor- through a real estate transfer et al.)/S.5689 (Thompson) cost of facility improvements tionate or inequitable burden tax for the purpose of preserving passed Assembly; died in Sen- to reduce energy use. A.3945 on that community. A.4245 natural and historic resources. ate Rules Committee. (Weprin, et al.) passed Assem- (Brodsky, et al.)/S.5778 A.2727 (Rabbitt, Gunther) passed bly; not introduced in Senate. (Thompson) passed Assembly; Assembly; not introduced in died in Senate Environmental Senate. Conservation Committee.
31. Private Well Testing 32. Increased Penalties for 33. Solid Waste Stipulates that when properties served by a private drink- Wetland Violations Management Facilities ing water well are sold, the contract includes require- Increases and defines civil and criminal Requires applicants for permits ments to test the well for various contaminants. Test re- penalties for violations of the State’s who construct or operate solid sults would be shared with relevant departments to study freshwater wetlands law. Raises civil waste management facilities groundwater supplies and groundwater contamination penalties and sanctions for violations to demonstrate facility’s con- and included in the Department of Environmental Conser- and for ongoing violations, makes each sistency with local solid waste vation’s environmental facilities map. A.4557 (Jaffee, et day’s violation separate and distinct. management plans. A.5765 ( al.)/S.2678 (Morahan, Hannon) passed Assembly; died in A.4807 (Sweeney, et al.)/S.6145 (Sch- Sweeney, et al.)/S.3777 (Thomp- Senate Environmental Conservation Committee. neiderman) passed Assembly; died in son) passed Assembly; died in Senate Rules Committee. Senate Rules Committee.
34. Brominated Flame 35. On-Bill Financing Natural 36. Forest Preserve Land Exchange Retardant Ban Gas Efficiency A constitutional amendment to allow National Grid to Includes decabromodiphenyl ether Permits service charges on natural gas construct a power line in St. Lawrence County on forest (deca-BDE), a suspected carcino- bills for the installation of improvements preserve lands in exchange for other lands to be added gen, among brominated flame retar- and fixtures to promote energy efficiency. to the preserve. A.8284 (Sweeney, et al.)/S.2802 (Little) dants whose manufacture, process Service charges would only be added passed Assembly and Senate. Delivered to Secretary of or sale is prohibited (phase out by to bills upon request with consumer State on July 8, 2009. July 1, 2012). A.7573 (Sweeney, et consent. A.7736 (John, et al.)/S.3712 al.) passed Assembly; not introduced (Parker, et al.) passed Assembly; died in in Senate. Senate Rules Committee.
37. Power for Jobs Reform 38. NYPA Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects Extends New York’s Power for Jobs program until May 15, Establishes energy efficiency and clean energy initiatives to be adminis- 2010. Requires participants of state subsidized low-cost power tered by the New York Power Authority (NYPA) and authorizes NYPA to to undergo comprehensive energy audits funded by the New fund projects, including high-performance building retrofits, equipment York Power Authority. A.8825-A (Cahill, et al.)/S.5979 (Parker) efficiency improvements, renewable technologies, and pollution-reduc- passed Assembly; died in Senate Rules Committee. tion technologies, among others. A.9040 (Cahill, et al.)/S.6050 (Sta- chowski, et al.) passed Assembly and Senate. Signed by Governor on September 16, 2009.
39. Farm Dam Safety Exemption Transfers state oversight for farm dams from the De- partment of Environmental Conservation’s Dam Safety Bureau to the Department of Agriculture & Markets, One Smokestack Bills exempting such dams from proper oversight and regu- lation. A.976 (Gunther, et al.)/S.2429 (Young) passed Bills with ONE SMOKESTACK will be detrimental to New York’s Assembly; died in Senate Rules Committee. environment if implemented.
7 www.eplvotersguide.org ASSEMBLY scores
Super Bills Climate Change Solutions Act & Fund E Environmental Justice Advisory Group nergy Planning Reauthorization Environmenta Ultra-Low Sulfur Oil Requirement Environmental Impact Reports Global Warming Pollution Act Healthy Green Procurement Bigger Better Bottle Bill Recyclables in Landfills Nuclear Preparedness Wetlands Protection Power Procurement MTA Refinancing Assembly Article 10 l Access to Justice Outdoor LightingNet Metering Fix 2009 Score 2008 Score Citizen Suits E-Waste BPA Ban Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Governor David A. Paterson (D) S S S Peter J. Abbate, Jr. (D-49/Brooklyn) 102 94 U U U Marc S. Alessi (D-1/Wading River) 98 100 U U U Y U Thomas W. Alfano (R-21/Franklin Square) 89 100 Y U U N N N George A. Amedore (R-105/Amsterdam) 45 58 Y Y Y U U U N Y U U Carmen E. Arroyo (D-84/Bronx) Inc 100 N U U N N N N U U U U N Jeffrion L. Aubry (D-35/Corona) 95 100 N U U U N U U U U N James G. Bacalles (R-136/Bath) 50 67 Y Y Y Y Y U U U Y U U Greg Ball (R-99/Brewster) 71 88 Y U Y U U U Y U Will Barclay (R-124/Fulton) 54 66 Y U Y U U U U U U U Robert D. Barra (R-14/Lynbrook) 85 100 Y U U N Y N Inez Barron (D-40/Brooklyn) Inc N/A U U U N N N Michael Benedetto (D-82/Bronx) 101 100 U U U Michael A. Benjamin (D-79/Bronx) Inc 100 Y U N U N N U N N N Y Jonathan L. Bing (D-73/New York City) 101 100 U U U William F. Boyland, Jr. (D-55/Brooklyn) Inc 100 U U N N U U U N N N Philip Boyle (R-8/Bay Shore) 92 97 Y U U N U Adam T. Bradley (D-89/White Plains) 100 100 U U U U James F. Brennan (D-44/Brooklyn) 103 100 U U U Richard L. Brodsky (D-92/Elmsford) 101 100 U U U Alec Brook-Krasny (D-46/Brooklyn) 101 100 U U U Daniel J. Burling (R-147/Warsaw) 52 75 Y Y Y U U Y Y Y U U Y U Y U Marc W. Butler (R-117/Herkimer) 56 70 Y Y Y U U N Y Y Y U U Y U Y U Kevin A. Cahill (D-101/Kingston) 100 103 U U U U Nancy Calhoun (R-96/New Windsor) 63 76 Y U Y Y Y U U Y U U Karim Camara (D-43/Brooklyn) Inc 103 U U U N N Ronald Canestrari (D-106/Albany) 97 100 U U U U Ann-Margaret E. Carrozza (D-26/Bayside) Inc 104 U N N U N N N N N U N N N N N N N N Nelson Castro (D-86/Bronx) 102 N/A U U U N U U Joan K. Christensen (D-119/Syracuse) Inc 100 Y U N U N N U N N N N U Barbara M. Clark (D-33/Queens Village) 102 100 U U U William Colton (D-47/Brooklyn) 101 100 U U U James D. Conte (R-10/Huntington Station) 91 101 Y U U Y U Vivian E. Cook (D-32/Jamaica) 101 100 U U U Jane Corwin (R-142/Elma) 46 N/A Y U Y U U U U U Y U Marcos A. Crespo (D-85/Bronx) Inc N/A N N N U N N N N N U U N U N U U N U Clifford W. Crouch (R-107/Binghamton) 55 75 Y U Y Y Y U U U N U Y Y U N U Michael J. Cusick (D-63/Staten Island) 98 100 U U U N Y U Steven Cymbrowitz (D-45/Brooklyn) 102 100 U U U Francine DelMonte (D-138/Niagara Falls) 88 97 Y U Y Michael DenDekker (D-34/Jackson Heights) 102 N/A U U U RoAnn M. Destito (D-116/Utica) 94 99 U U U Y *Ruben Diaz, Jr. (D-85/Bronx) Inc 101 U U N N N N U N N N N N N N N N N N Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-81/Bronx) 103 101 U U U Janet Duprey (R-114/Plattsburgh) 43 69 Y Y Y Y Y U U U U U Patricia Eddington (D-3/Medford) 92 96 Y U U Y U Steven Englebright (D-4/Setauket) 100 100 U U U Y U Joseph A. Errigo (R-130/Henrietta) 56 70 Y U Y U U Y Y Y Y U U Y U Y U Adriano Espaillat (D-72/New York City) 101 96 U U U Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D-71/New York City) 101 100 U U U Ginny Fields (D-5/Bayport 88 100 Y U U Y U Y U Gary D. Finch (R-123/Auburn) 54 69 Y U Y Y Y U U N N Y N KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses 8 NYPA Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects
Increased Penalties for Wetland Violations Utility Distributed Generation Reporting T On-Bill Financing Natural Gas Efficiency ransmission Line Intervenor Funds Environmental Justice Advisory Group Solid Waste Management Facilities Brominated Flame RetardantForest Ban Environmental Justice & Permits Wetland Neighbor Notification Small Business Energy Loans Farm Dam Safety Exemption Public Access to Information State Agencies GHG Audit Preserve Land Exchange Power for Jobs Reform Assembly Article 10 Ulster County CPA Orange County CPA Private Well Testing
2008 Score2009 Score Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 S SS Governor David A. Paterson (D) N Y 94 102 Peter J. Abbate, Jr. (D-49) N U U N Y 100 98 Marc S. Alessi (D-1) U Y 100 89 Thomas W. Alfano (R-21) U Y U U U N U Y 58 45 George A. Amedore (R-105) N N U U U N Y 100 Inc Carmen E. Arroyo (D-84) 100 95 Jeffrion L. Aubry (D-35) U Y 67 50 James G. Bacalles (R-136) U U Y 88 71 Greg Ball (R-99) U Y Y Y 66 54 Will Barclay (R-124) U U 100 85 Robert D. Barra (R-14) N N N N N N N U N U N U U U U N U Y N/A Inc Inez Barron (D-40) Y 100 101 Michael Benedetto (D-82) N N U U N 100 Inc Michael A. Benjamin (D-79) N Y 100 101 Jonathan L. Bing (D-73) N U N N N N U N N N N N N Y 100 Inc William F. Boyland, Jr. (D-55) U U U N U U N N 97 92 Philip Boyle (R-8) 100 100 Adam T. Bradley (D-89) 100 103 James F. Brennan (D-44) U U N Y 100 101 Richard L. Brodsky (D-92) Y 100 101 Alec Brook-Krasny (D-46) N Y U Y U Y U U U U U N Y 75 52 Daniel J. Burling (R-147) U N Y 70 56 Marc W. Butler (R-117) 103 100 Kevin A. Cahill (D-101) Y Y U U Y U U U Y U Y Y 76 63 Nancy Calhoun (R-96) N U U U N U N U U N N N Y 103 Inc Karim Camara (D-43) Y 100 97 Ronald Canestrari (D-106) N N N N N N N N U N N U N U U 104 Inc Ann-Margaret E. Carrozza (D-26) U U U N N N N U U U U U N Y N/A 102 Nelson Castro (D-86) N U U N Y 100 Inc Joan K. Christensen (D-119) N N Y 100 102 Barbara M. Clark (D-33) Y 100 101 William Colton (D-47) Y 101 91 James D. Conte (R-10) Y 100 101 Vivian E. Cook (D-32) U U Y U Y U Y N/A 46 Jane Corwin (R-142) N N N U N U U N N N U N N N N Y N/A Inc Marcos A. Crespo (D-85) U U U U U U U Y 75 55 Clifford W. Crouch (R-107) Y 100 98 Michael J. Cusick (D-63) N Y 100 102 Steven Cymbrowitz (D-45) Y 97 88 Francine DelMonte (D-138) N N Y N/A 102 Michael DenDekker (D-34) Y Y Y 99 94 RoAnn M. Destito (D-116) N N U N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N N 101 Inc *Ruben Diaz, Jr. (D-85) N 101 103 Jeffrey Dinowitz (D-81) U Y 69 43 Janet Duprey (R-114) N U U N 96 92 Patricia Eddington (D-3) N N N 100 100 Steven Englebright (D-4) U Y U Y Y� 70 56 Joseph A. Errigo (R-130) N Y 96 101 Adriano Espaillat (D-72) N Y 100 101 Herman D. Farrell, Jr. (D-71) Y 100 88 Ginny Fields (D-5) U N N N Y 69 54 Gary D. Finch (R-123) KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses 9 www.eplvotersguide.org continued ASSEMBLY scores
Super Bills Climate Change Solutions Act & Fund E Environmental Justice Advisory Group nergy Planning Reauthorization Environmenta Ultra-Low Sulfur Oil Requirement Environmental Impact Reports Global Warming Pollution Act Healthy Green Procurement Bigger Better Bottle Bill Recyclables in Landfills Nuclear Preparedness Wetlands Protection Power Procurement MTA Refinancing Assembly Article 10 l Access to Justice Outdoor LightingNet Metering Fix 2009 Score 2008 Score Citizen Suits E-Waste BPA Ban Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Governor David A. Paterson (D) S S S Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R-7/Smithtown) 56 68 Y U Y Y Y U Y U Y Y U U U U Dennis Gabryszak (D-143/Cheektowaga) 84 91 Y U Y Sandra R. Galef (D-90/Ossining) 100 100 U David F. Gantt (D-133/Rochester) 98 94 N N N N Michael N. Gianaris (D-36/Astoria) 96 101 Y Vanessa L. Gibson (D-77/Bronx) Inc N/A N N N U N N N N N U U N U N U U N U Joe Giglio (R-149/Olean) 68 76 Y Y Y Y U U Y U U Deborah J. Glick (D-66/New York City) 103 103 Timothy Gordon (I-108/Castleton-on-Hudson) 90 91 U U Y Y Y Richard N. Gottfried (D-75/New York City) 102 100 N U N *Aurelia Greene (D-77/Bronx) Inc 96 U U N N N N U N N N N U N N N N N N Aileen Gunther (D-98/Monticello) 82 91 Y U Y U U U Y Y Steve Hawley (R-139/Albion) 44 63 Y Y Y U Y U U Y Y U U U James P. Hayes (R-148/Williamsville) 44 59 Y U Y Y Y U U U U Y U Y U Carl E. Heastie (D-83/Bronx) 98 100 N N Andrew D. Hevesi (D-28/Forest Hills) 103 100 U U U N Dov Hikind (D-48/Brooklyn) Inc 96 N N N N Earlene Hooper (D-18/Hempstead) 98 100 N N Sam Hoyt (D-144/Buffalo) 95 102 Y N D. Janele Hyer-Spencer (D-60/Staten Island) 99 100 Y U Rhoda S. Jacobs (D-42/Brooklyn) 101 102 Ellen Jaffee (D-95/Pearl River) 99 100 Y U Hakeem Jeffries (D-57/Brooklyn) 101 100 Susan V. John (D-131/Rochester) 101 99 Tony Jordan (R-112/Fort Edward) 47 N/A Y Y Y U U U Y Y U U Y U Y U Brian Kavanagh (D-74/New York City) 103 101 N Micah Z. Kellner (D-65/New York City) 103 101 Brian M. Kolb (R-129/Geneva) 47 58 Y U U U U Y Y U Y Y U Y U David R. Koon (D-135/Fairport) 88 90 Y Y N Rory Lancman (D-25/Fresh Meadows) 102 100 U N N U N George Latimer (D-91/Mamaroneck) 96 101 Y Charles Lavine (D-13/Glen Cove) 103 100 Joseph R. Lentol (D-50/Brooklyn) 98 100 N Barbara S. Lifton (D-125/Ithaca) 101 102 Peter Lopez (R-127/Catskill) 63 76 Y Y Y N U N Y U Y U Vito J. Lopez (D-53/Brooklyn) 102 103 N Donna Lupardo (D-126/Binghamton) 94 100 Y N William Magee (D-111/Oneida) 85 91 U U Y Y N U Y U U N William B. Magnarelli (D-120/Syracuse) 101 100 Alan Maisel (D-59/Brooklyn) 101 100 Margaret M. Markey (D-30/Maspeth) 103 100 N Nettie Mayersohn (D-27/Flushing) Inc 100 U U U U U N U N N David G. McDonough (R-19/Bellmore) 83 96 Y N U John J. McEneny (D-104/Albany) 101 100 Tom McKevitt (R-17/Garden City) 86 100 Y N Y N Grace Meng (D-22/Flushing) 98 N/A N N Joel M. Miller (R-102/Poughkeepsie) 73 90 Y Y U Y Y U Y U Joan L. Millman (D-52/Brooklyn) 101 100 Marcus Molinaro (R-103/Red Hook) 74 93 Y U U U U N U Y U N Joseph D. Morelle (D-132/Rochester) 91 91 Y Y U U Catherine T. Nolan (D-37/Ridgewood) 102 95 U U N U U U KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses
10 NYPA Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects
Increased Penalties for Wetland Violations On-Bill Financing Natural Gas Efficiency T ransmission Line Environmental Justice Advisory Group Solid Waste Management Facilities Brominated Flame RetardantForest Ban Environmental Justice & Permits Wetland Neighbor Notification Small Business Energy Loans Farm Dam Safety Exemption Utility Distributed GenerationPublic Access to Information State Agencies GHG Audit Preserve Land Exchange Power for Jobs Reform Assembly Article 10 Orange County CPA Private Well Testing Ulster County CPA Intervenor Funds
2008 Score2009 Score Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 S S S Governor David A. Paterson (D) U Y U Y U U U Y Y 68 56 Michael J. Fitzpatrick (R-7) Y Y 91 84 Dennis Gabryszak (D-143) 100 100 Sandra R. Galef (D-90) N Y 94 98 David F. Gantt (D-133) 101 96 Michael N. Gianaris (D-36) U U N N N U N U U N N N U N N N N Y N/A Inc Vanessa L. Gibson (D-77) U Y U U U Y Y 76 68 Joe Giglio (R-149) 103 103 Deborah J. Glick (D-66) Y 91 90 Timothy Gordon (I-108) Y 100 102 Richard N. Gottfried (D-75) N N U U N N N N N U N N N N N N N N N N 96 Inc *Aurelia Greene (D-77) U U U N Y 91 82 Aileen Gunther (D-98) U Y U Y U Y Y Y Y 63 44 Steve Hawley (R-139) U Y U Y U Y U U U U Y Y 59 44 James P. Hayes (R-148) N U U N U U U U U N N Y 100 98 Carl E. Heastie (D-83) N N N 100 103 Andrew D. Hevesi (D-28) N N U U N U U N N 96 Inc Dov Hikind (D-48) N N Y 100 98 Earlene Hooper (D-18) 102 95 Sam Hoyt (D-144) N Y 100 99 D. Janele Hyer-Spencer (D-60) Y 102 101 Rhoda S. Jacobs (D-42) Y 100 99 Ellen Jaffee (D-95) Y 100 101 Hakeem Jeffries (D-57) Y 99 101 Susan V. John (D-131) U Y U Y N/A 47 Tony Jordan (R-112) 101 103 Brian Kavanagh (D-74) 101 103 Micah Z. Kellner (D-65) U Y U Y U Y U Y Y 58 47 Brian M. Kolb (R-129) Y Y 90 88 David R. Koon (D-135) U U N U N U N Y 100 102 Rory Lancman (D-25) 101 96 George Latimer (D-91) N 100 103 Charles Lavine (D-13) U Y Y 100 98 Joseph R. Lentol (D-50) Y 102 101 Barbara S. Lifton (D-125) U Y Y 76 63 Peter Lopez (R-127) N N U U N N U N N U U Y 103 102 Vito J. Lopez (D-53) Y 100 94 Donna Lupardo (D-126) Y Y 91 85 William Magee (D-111) Y 100 101 William B. Magnarelli (D-120) Y 100 101 Alan Maisel (D-59) N U U N N N 100 103 Margaret M. Markey (D-30) N U U N N U N N N U U Y 100 Inc Nettie Mayersohn (D-27) U Y Y N U 96 83 David G. McDonough (R-19) Y 100 101 John J. McEneny (D-104) U Y 100 86 Tom McKevitt (R-17) N Y N/A 98 Grace Meng (D-22) U Y U U U Y U N Y Y 90 73 Joel M. Miller (R-102) Y 100 101 Joan L. Millman (D-52) U Y Y 93 74 Marcus Molinaro (R-103) N Y 91 91 Joseph D. Morelle (D-132) N U N U N Y 95 102 Catherine T. Nolan (D-37) KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses
11 www.eplvotersguide.org continued ASSEMBLY scores
Super
Bills Climate Change Solutions Act & Fund Environmental Justice Advisory Group E nergy Planning Reauthorization Environmenta Ultra-Low Sulfur Oil Requirement Environmental Impact Reports Global Warming Pollution Act Healthy Green Procurement Bigger Better Bottle Bill Recyclables in Landfills Nuclear Preparedness Wetlands Protection Power Procurement Assembly Article 10 MTA Refinancing l Access to Justice Outdoor LightingNet Metering Fix 2009 Score Citizen Suits 2008 Score E-Waste BPA Ban Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Governor David A. Paterson (D) S S S S Robert C. Oaks (R-128/Lyons) 46 59 Y Y Y U Y U U U U U Daniel J. O’Donnell (D-69/New York City) 102 100 Tom O’Mara (R-137/Elmira) 50 76 Y Y Y U U U U N Y Y U Felix W. Ortiz (D-51/Brooklyn) 101 100 William L. Parment (D-150/Jamestown) 74 76 Y Y Y Y Y Amy R. Paulin (D-88/Scarsdale) 101 100 Crystal D. Peoples (D-141/Buffalo) 93 103 Y N N José R. Peralta (D-39/Jackson Heights) 94 96 Y Nick Perry (D-58/Brooklyn) Inc 100 U U U N N U U U Audrey I. Pheffer (D-23/Rockaway Beach) 101 100 Adam Clayton Powell, IV (D-68/New York City) 102 96 N U U U U U U J. Gary Pretlow (D-87/Mount Vernon) 103 100 Jack Quinn (R-146/Blasdell) 62 76 Y Y Y N U U Y U U Annie Rabbitt (R-97/Goshen) 65 87 Y U Y U Y U U U Y U U Andrew P. Raia (R-9/Northport) 69 89 Y U Y Y Y U U Philip R. Ramos (D-6/Brentwood) 98 100 Y U Bill Reilich (R-134/Rochester) 53 68 Y U U U U Y Y Y U Y U Robert Reilly (D-109/Clifton Park) 99 94 Y José Rivera (D-78/Bronx) 101 84 Naomi Rivera (D-80/Bronx) Inc 91 N N Peter M. Rivera (D-76/Bronx) 102 95 Annette M. Robinson (D-56/Brooklyn) 102 96 N N Linda Rosenthal (D-67/New York City) 103 101 Addie J. Russell (D-118/Watertown) Inc N/A N N U N U N U U N Joseph Saladino (R-12/Massapequa) 76 92 Y N U Y U N Teresa R. Sayward (R-113/Glens Falls) 40 70 Y Y Y Y Y U U U U U William Scarborough (D-29/Jamaica) 102 102 U U U N Michelle Schimel (D-16/Great Neck) 101 101 Robin Schimminger (D-140/Kenmore) 41 66 Y Y Y Y Y N Y N Y Y U U N U Mark Schroeder (D-145/Buffalo) 72 99 Y U U Y U U U Dierdre K. Scozzafava (R-122/Gouverneur) 59 83 Y U Y N U U Y U Anthony S. Seminerio (D-38/Richmond Hill) Inc 98 U U Y N N U U N U U U Sheldon Silver (D-64/New York City) 101 100 Frank Skartados (D-100/Newburgh) 99 N/A Y U Mike Spano (D-93/Yonkers) 100 100 Albert A. Stirpe, Jr. (D-121/Cicero) 94 97 Y Robert K. Sweeney (D-11/Lindenhurst) 100 101 Y U James N. Tedisco (R-110/Schenectady) 80 76 N Y Y U U Y U Y U Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (R-2/Bridgehampton) 93 101 Y Y U Matthew J. Titone (D-61/Staten Island) 95 96 N N Y U Michele R. Titus (D-31/Far Rockaway) 102 100 Louis R. Tobacco (R-62/Staten Island) 66 90 Y U Y Y U U Y Y Y U Darryl C. Towns (D-54/Brooklyn) 102 94 David R. Townsend, Jr. (R-115/Sylvan Beach) 69 86 Y U Y U U Y U U Rob Walker (R-15/Hicksville) 83 97 Y U Helene E. Weinstein (D-41/Brooklyn) 103 103 Harvey Weisenberg (D-20/Long Beach) 100 101 Y U Mark Weprin (D-24/Little Neck) 103 101 Keith L. Wright (D-70/New York City) 101 97 Kenneth P. Zebrowski (D-94/New City) 96 97 Y Y U KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses 12 NYPA Efficiency & Renewable Energy Projects
Increased Penalties for Wetland Violations On-Bill Financing Natural Gas Efficiency T ransmission Line Environmental Justice Advisory Group Solid Waste Management Facilities Brominated Flame RetardantForest Ban Environmental Justice & Permits Wetland Neighbor Notification Small Business Energy Loans Farm Dam Safety Exemption Utility Distributed GenerationPublic Access to Information State Agencies GHG Audit Preserve Land Exchange Power for Jobs Reform Assembly Article 10 Ulster Country CPA Orange County CPA Private Well Testing Intervenor Funds
2008 Score2009 Score Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 S SS Governor David A. Paterson (D) Y Y Y U Y U U U U U U Y U Y U Y U Y Y Y Y 59 46 Robert C. Oaks (R-128) N Y 100 102 Daniel J. O’Donnell (D-69) U Y U Y U Y U Y U U Y 76 50 Thomas O’Mara (R-137) Y 100 101 Felix W. Ortiz (D-51) Y U Y Y 76 74 William L. Parment (D-150) U U U N Y 100 101 Amy R. Paulin (D-88) N Y U N N N 103 93 Crystal D. Peoples (D-141) U U N Y 96 94 José R. Peralta (D-39) U U U N N U U U N U U N N Y N N N N 100 Inc Nick Perry (D-58) Y 100 101 Audrey I. Pheffer (D-23) N N Y 96 102 Adam Clayton Powell, IV (D-68) 100 103 J. Gary Pretlow (D-87) U Y U U Y 76 62 Jack Quinn (R-146) U Y Y 87 65 Annie Rabbitt (R-97) Y U Y Y Y U U U Y U Y 89 69 Andrew P. Raia (R-9) N Y 100 98 Philip R. Ramos (D-6) U Y U Y 68 53 Bill Reilich (R-134) Y 94 99 Robert Reilly (D-109) Y 84 101 José Rivera (D-78) N N U N N N N N N 91 Inc Naomi Rivera (D-80) U U U N N Y 95 102 Peter M. Rivera (D-76) N N Y 96 102 Annette M. Robinson (D-56) 101 103 Linda Rosenthal (D-67) N N U N U N U U N N N Y N/A Inc Addie J. Russell (D-118) N Y U N U Y 92 76 Joseph Saladino (R-12) U Y Y 70 40 Teresa R. Sayward (R-113) U U U N N N N Y 102 102 William Scarborough (D-29) Y 101 101 Michelle Schimel (D-16) U Y U N Y U Y Y 66 41 Robin Schimminger (D-140) Y 99 72 Mark Schroeder (D-145) U Y N Y N U Y 83 59 Dierdre K. Scozzafava (R-122) N N N N N U U U N N N 98 Inc Anthony S. Seminerio (D-38) Y 100 101 Sheldon Silver (D-64) Y N/A 99 Frank Skartados (D-100) Y Y 100 100 Mike Spano (D-93) Y 97 94 Albert A. Stirpe, Jr. (D-121) 101 100 Robert K. Sweeney (D-11) U Y 76 80 James N. Tedisco (R-110) 101 93 Fred W. Thiele, Jr. (R-2) N N N Y 96 95 Matthew J. Titone (D-61) N N Y 100 102 Michele R. Titus (D-31) U Y U Y Y 90 66 Louis R. Tobacco (R-62) N Y 94 102 Darryl C. Towns (D-54) U Y Y 86 69 David R. Townsend, Jr. (R-115) U N N 97 83 Rob Walker (R-15) 103 103 Helene E. Weinstein (D-41) U U U N 101 100 Harvey Weisenberg (D-20) N U 101 103 Mark Weprin (D-24) Y 97 101 Keith L. Wright (D-70) Y 97 96 Kenneth P. Zebrowski (D-94) KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses 13 www.eplvotersguide.org continued SENATE scores
Super NYPA Efficiency & Clean Energy Projects T Bills ransmission Line Intervenor Funds Energy Planning Reauthorization Forest Green Jobs - Green New York Environmental Access to Justice Global Warming Pollution Act Preserve Land Exchange Bigger Better Bottle Bill
Wetlands Protection MTA Refinancing 2009 Score 2008 Score E-waste Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 13 17 21 25 36 38 Governor David A. Paterson (D) S SSS S S S Eric L. Adams (D-20/Brooklyn) 83 82 U l l l l U U U U U U Joseph Addabbo (D-15/Howard Beach) 71 N/A U - l - l U U U U U U James S. Alesi (R-55/Fairport) 29 70 Y - - - - U Y U U U U Darrel J. Aubertine (D-48/Watertown) 58 70 U - - - - John J. Bonacic (R-42/Middletown) Inc 70 Y - - - - U Y N U U U Neil D. Breslin (D-46/Albany) 83 92 U l l l l John A. DeFrancisco (R-50/Syracuse) 17 72 Y - - - - U Y Y U U Y Ruben Diaz, Sr. (D-32/Bronx) Inc 85 U l l l l N N U N Martin Malave Dilan (D-17/Brooklyn) 60 83 U - - - l Y Thomas K. Duane (D-29/New York City) 77 94 U l - l l Pedro Espada, Jr. (D-33/Bronx) 65 N/A U - - - l � Hugh T. Farley (R-44/Amsterdam) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y John J. Flanagan (R-2/Smithtown) 35 79 Y - - - l U Y U U U U Brian Foley (D-3/Hauppauge) Inc N/A U l - l l N U N N U N Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-8/Massapequa) 35 76 Y - - - l U Y U U U U Martin J. Golden (R-22/Brooklyn) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U U Joseph Griffo (R-47/Utica) 25 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U Y Kemp Hannon (R-6/Garden City) 35 83 Y - - - l U Y U U U U Ruth Hassell-Thompson (D-36/Bronx) 77 86 U l - l l Shirley Huntley (D-10/Jamaica) 73 75 U l - l l Y Craig M. Johnson (D-7/Garden City) 58 87 U - - - - Owen H. Johnson (R-4/Babylon) Inc 72 Y - - l l N Y Y N U N Jeffrey Klein (D-34/Bronx) 65 81 U l - - - Liz Krueger (D-26/New York City) 83 92 U l l l l Carl Kruger (D-27/Brooklyn) Inc 72 U - - - - N U U N U N Andrew Lanza (R-24/Staten Island) 29 76 Y - - - - U Y U U U U William J. Larkin, Jr. (R-39/New Windsor) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U U Kenneth P. LaValle (R-1/Selden) 42 87 Y - - l l U Y U U U U Vincent L. Leibell, III (R-40/Brewster) 42 76 Y - - l l U Y U U U U Thomas W. Libous (R-52/Binghamton) 17 72 Y - - - - U Y Y U U Y Elizabeth O’C. Little (R-45/Glens Falls) Inc 72 Y - - l - U N Y U U Y Carl L. Marcellino (R-5/Oyster Bay) 48 84 Y - l l l U Y George D. Maziarz (R-62/Wheatfield) 25 72 Y - - - - U Y Y Roy McDonald (R-43/Rensselaer) 25 N/A Y - - - - U Y Y Hiram Monserrate (D-13/East Elmhurst) 67 N/A U l - - l Y Velmanette Montgomery (D-18/Brooklyn) 71 92 U - l - l U U U U U U Thomas P. Morahan (R-38/Nanuet) 42 81 Y - - l l U Y U U U U Michael F. Nozzolio (R-54/Seneca Falls) 21 72 Y - - - - U Y Y U U U George Onorato (D-12/Long Island City) 79 85 U l l l l Y Suzi Oppenheimer (D-37/Port Chester) 83 90 U l l l l U U U U U U Frank Padavan (R-11/Bellerose) 48 87 Y l - l l U Y U U U U Kevin Parker (D-21/Brooklyn) 83 94 U l l l l Bill Perkins (D-30/New York City) 83 94 U l l l l Michael Ranzenhofer (R-61/Williamsville) 25 N/A Y - - - - U Y U U U Y Joseph E. Robach (R-56/Rochester) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U U Stephen M. Saland (R-41/Poughkeepsie) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U U John Sampson (D-19/Brooklyn) 77 83 U l - l l Diane J. Savino (D-23/Staten Island) 77 81 U - l l l Eric T. Schneiderman (D-31/New York City) 83 92 U l l l l José Serrano (D-28/New York City) 83 92 U l l l l KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses 14 Super NYPA Efficiency & Clean Energy Projects T Bills ransmission Line Intervenor Funds Energy Planning Reauthorization Forest Environmental Access to Justice Green Jobs - Green New York Global Warming Pollution Act Preserve Land Exchange Bigger Better Bottle Bill
Wetlands Protection MTA Refinancing 2009 Score 2008 Score E-waste Name (Party - District) 1 2 3 4 5 13 17 21 25 36 38 1 2 3 4 5 13 17 21 25 36 38 Governor David A. Paterson (D) S SSS S S S James L. Seward (R-51/Oneonta) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U U Dean G. Skelos (R-9/Rockville Centre) 21 76 Y - - - - U U U U Malcolm Smith (D-14/St. Albans) 58 72 U - - - - Daniel Squadron (D-25/New York City) Inc N/A U l - - l N U U N U N William T. Stachowski (D-58/Buffalo) 58 81 U - - - - Toby Ann Stavisky (D-16/Flushing) 77 91 U l l - l Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-35/Yonkers) 77 87 U l - l l Antoine Thompson (D-60/Buffalo) 83 85 U l l l l David J. Valesky (D-49/Syracuse) 65 79 U - - l - Dale M. Volker (R-59/Depew) 29 72 Y - - - - U Y U U U U George H. Winner, Jr. (R-53/Elmira) 17 72 Y - - - - U U U Y Catharine M. Young (R-57/Olean) 17 72 Y - - - - U U U Y KEY: Correct environmental vote, Incorrect environmental vote (includes unexcused absences), l Super Bill sponsor/co-sponsor, - Not Super Bill sponsor, N Not in office/excused~not counted, Inc Incomplete score, * Vacated seat. GOVERNOR’S ACTION: S Signed into law, V Vetoed, ? Awaiting action at time of print, a blank space means bill did not pass both houses
15 www.eplvotersguide.org How Lawmakers’ Scores Are Calculated To calculate legislators’ scores, EPL/Environmental Advocates uses ratings developed by our sister organization, Environmental Advocates of New York.
Legislators earn between 1 and 3 points respectively for votes in support of bills rated by Environmental Advocates as 1, 2 or 3 “tree” bills. Tree-rated bills are those that will benefit New York’s environment. Legislators earn between 1 and 3 points for votes against bills that were given a rating of 1, 2 or 3 “smokestacks.” Smokestack-rated bills are those that will harm the environment. The Assembly voted on all five of the Super Bills; the Senate voted on one of the five. Legislators earn points for supporting Super Bills as follows:
Co-sponsoring: Lawmakers receive half credit (1.5 points of a 3-tree bill) for Super Bills they sponsored or co-sponsored. If a Super Bill is voted on, the vote is counted in the score, but credit is not given for co-sponsorship. Members of the minority party who request to be added as co-sponsors also receive co-sponsorship credit.
Votes on motions to petition: Votes on motions to petition a Super Bill out of committee are counted as regular votes on the bill. Legislators voting in favor of a motion to petition a Super Bill out of committee receive 3 points. If the bill itself is voted on, that floor vote counts, rather than support for the motion to petition.
Becoming law: If a Super Bill is passed by both houses and signed into law, all legislators who vote for it receive 3 points plus 2 bonus points. This year one Super Bill was signed into law (Bigger Better Bottle Bill). As such, members who voted for this bill receive 2 bonus points, resulting in some lawmakers with scores greater than 100 percent.
Incompletes: Legislators who miss more than 20 percent of votes receive a score of incomplete or “Inc” in the Voters’ Guide.
Notes: 1. The Climate Change Solutions Act & Fund, two complementary bills, is scored as one bill in the scorecard. One member of the Assembly, Peter Lopez, voted in favor of one bill and against the other. This legislator received an “N” to reflect this inconsistency in the scorecard. 2. Similar versions of the Electronic Waste Recycling Act were introduced in the Assembly and Senate. The bill scored in this guide reflects the final action taken on this legislation. 3. Assemblyman Ruben Diaz, Jr. vacated his seat during the 2009 Legislative Session after he won a special election for Bronx Borough President. He appointed Assemblywoman Aurelia Greene as his deputy. Assembly members Diaz, Jr. and Greene were replaced by Marcos Crespo and Vanessa Gibson, respectively. These lawmakers all received scores of incomplete in the Voters’ Guide.
16 WHAT YOU CAN DO NOW THAT YOU KNOW THE SCORE
1. Hold legislators 2. Vote at the local, state 3. Become a Member. accountable. If they voted to and federal level. Your vote Join us and lend your voice to weaken New York’s environmental is critical when it comes to New York’s first environmental safeguards, send lawmakers a note whether or not New York State advocacy group in the State expressing your disapproval. If your has a legislature that protects the Capital. See information below legislators are working to protect air we breathe, the water we drink, to learn how you can act to New York’s natural heritage, write and the health of our families. protect New York’s natural to thank them. resources.
Contact your lawmakers. New York State lawmakers are in regular session every year from January through June. While they are scheduled to meet for six months, in recent years budget negotiations have led to lengthier sessions and “special sessions.” Write your legislators: New York State Assembly, Albany, NY 12248, or New York State Senate, Albany, NY 12247. Call the Assembly at (518) 455-4100 and the Senate at (518) 455-2800.
Find out who represents you. Visit www.assembly.state.ny.us or www.senate.state.ny.us or call the New York State Senate at (518) 455-2800 or the New York State Assembly at (518) 455-4100.
Learn the score. Tell your friends. Take action.
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Back cover photo courtesy of Peggy Fandrich.
17 www.eplvotersguide.org You Didn’t Vote to Pollute New York State.
DID YOUR LEGISLATORS?
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