WXXI: Governor Sends Mixed Signals on Environmental Protection, Advocates Say (2009-08-14)

Environmental groups say Governor David Paterson is sending mixed signals on how strongly he supports environmental regulations, like those dealing with global warming. But the Governor's top advisors say their aim is clear- they want to both protect the state's water and air and be more business friendly.

The state's leading environmental groups say Governor Paterson is sending out a mixed message on his commitment to state regulations that protect the air and water supply and counteract climate change.

They say first, the Governor signed an executive order that reduces greenhouse gasses in New York by 80% below the levels emitted in 1990, by the year 2050. Then, one day later, on a Friday afternoon, Paterson signed another executive order that calls for a complete overhaul of all the state rules and regulations, beginning with regulations at the Department of Health, Environmental Conservation, and Agriculture, among others. A new committee made up of the governor's top staff would review rules that could be considered "antiquated and burdensome".

The second order was praised by business groups and local government leaders, who say it was long overdue. But the environmental groups say it will result in a regulation "witch hunt" that will have a "chilling effect" on implementing new rules to protect health and safety.

"The level of outrage about this proposal is high," said Laura Haight, with NYPIRG.

Under the executive order, the agencies will have to identify which top rules or regulations have generated the most negative commentary in recent years. They can cite as many as ten regulations that have incited protest, but must include at least two.

Frank Mauro, with Fiscal Policy Institute, a union- sponsored think tank, calls it an "unpopularity contest". Mauro says the 60 day public review process could also be subject to abuse by special interests and corporate lobbyists, who could flood the panel with e-mails and letters.

Governor Paterson's top advisors on energy and economic development say the environmentalists and others are jumping to unnecessary conclusions. Morgan Hook is a spokesman.

"I think it's pretty clear that this is the same old status quo in Albany," said Hook. "This is part of what's made New York State into a high tax- high spend state."

Hook and one of the Governor's Energy Advisor, Tom Condon, say the reason why the governor first signed the executive order to reduce Greenhouse gases, then signed the order to review state regulations, was to send the signal that Paterson remains committed to improving the environment.

"The commitment to addressing climate change is unwavering," Condon said.

The Governor's Economic Advisor, Michael Skrebutenas, say it's important, in the midst of a severe recession, to reexamine rules that present barriers to job creation in New York. He says the criticisms are "out of touch with the other nineteen million New Yorkers that find New York is a difficult place to do business".

As for the accusation that special interest lobbyists will meddle with the regulation review process, spokesman Morgan Hook says the environmental and labor groups are special interests, too.

The advisors say there is a "short list" of suspect regulations that they believe should be reexamined, but won't name those rules.

Environmental groups remain unconvinced, and say they'll monitor the process closely. The governor's aides say they are welcome to comment, along with everybody else, on any rules or regulations that are targeted for elimination.