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George Pataki on Environment
Republican NY Governor
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Majestic Hudson flows cleaner than it has in generations
We have applied our philosophy of bold, sweeping change to the preservation and protection of our environment and our state's natural treasures. When I was a boy, I could admire one of these treasures--the Hudson River--from our family farm in Peekskill.
I still remember how different the view was from my grandfather's porch, which was only a few feet from the riverbank. The tragic effects of a century's worth of neglect and abuse were all too apparent.We chose to take a fundamentally different
approach to environmental conservation, and by working together over the last decade we've made New York a national leader. We've reclaimed industrialized waterfronts across the State, transforming them from forgotten dumping grounds into the proud
gateways of our communities.
We've dedicated more resources to cleaning-up and protecting the environment than ever before, including our $1.75 billion Clean Water/Clean Air Bond Act. Today, the majestic Hudson flows cleaner than it has in generations.
Source: State of the State address to 2005 New York Legislature
, Jan 5, 2006
Preserve & enhance our natural treasures for future
When I took office back in 1995, I saw a future New York that was cleaner, safer, and more prosperous than ever before.I saw our next generation of New Yorkers enjoying a wealth of wondrous natural treasures--preserved, protected, and enhanced for
future generations to cherish.
Together, we've secured an inheritance of nearly one million acres of protected open space for the next generation of New Yorkers and a Hudson River that is far cleaner and more vital than when we found it.
Source: State of the State address to 2006 New York Legislature
, Jan 4, 2006
More state autonomy on brownfields & Superfund cleanups.
Pataki adopted the National Governors Association position paper:
The Issue
The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (CERCLA), otherwise known as Superfund, was created to clean up the worst hazardous waste sites across the country and to recoup expenses from responsible parties. Since the law was enacted in 1980, the Superfund program has caused significant amounts of litigation, while cleanup of hazardous waste sites has not been as fast or effective as the statute envisioned. In addition, states have not had the necessary tools or funding from the federal government to adequately clean up state sites. “Brownfields” sites—abandoned or undeveloped non-Superfund industrial or commercial sites under state jurisdiction—have gained increasing attention from Congress in recent years as passage of a comprehensive Superfund package has become increasingly unlikely.
NGA’s Position
NGA supports the reauthorization of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980. NGA policy calls for more opportunities for states to take authority for cleanup of National Priorities List (NPL) sites, increased autonomy and funding over brownfield sites, and the concurrence of a Governor before a site can be listed on the NPL.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA15 on Aug 1, 2001
Support State Revolving Loan Fund for flexible Clean Water.
Pataki adopted the National Governors Association position paper:
The Issue
The Clean Water Act (CWA) has not been reauthorized since 1987. At that time, provisions were added to address nonpoint source pollution, pollution from diffuse sources such as runoff of fertilizers and pesticides, stormwater runoff, and sediment. Governors and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) disagree on the best approach to addressing the problem of nonpoint source pollution.
NGA’s Position
NGA supports the reauthorization of the Federal Water Pollution Control Act of 1972 (the Clean Water Act). The Governors support an increased focus on watershed management planning, including funding for the State Revolving Loan Fund (SRF) and nonpoint source pollution programs. States should have the flexibility to develop plans for attaining federally approved water quality standards in impaired waters - in consultation with local government officials and stakeholders - and to allocate responsibility for cleanup among contributors. The TMDL regulations should be revised, by legislation if necessary, to give states adequate flexibility, funding, and time to address impaired waters.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA9 on Aug 1, 2001
Supports grants for brownfields remediation.
Pataki adopted the Republican Main Street Partnership agenda item:
H.R. 2941 Brownfields Redevelopment Enhancement Act.
Republican Main Street Partnership Congresswomen Marge Roukema (NJ), Sue Kelly (NY), and Melissa Hart (PA) as well as Congressman Paul Gillmor (PA) have introduced legislation providing a new source of funding for improving former industrial sites. H.R. 2941 reauthorizes the Brownfields Remediation Grant Program as well as creating a new loan program for brownfields redevelopment. The pilot program encourages cities to tap private loans for civic improvements by using the federal grants as collateral. The bill allows for Community Development Block Grants to be used in industrial site clean up as well.
Source: Republican Main Street Partnership Legislative Agenda 02-RMSP2 on May 24, 2002
Make EPA into a Cabinet department.
Pataki adopted the Republican Main Street Partnership agenda item:
H.R. 2438/H.R. 2694 Department of Environmental Protection Act.
Republican Main Street Partnership members Sherwood Boehlert (NY) and Steve Horn (CA) each have introduced legislation that would elevate the position of Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to that of cabinet level. Initially, the EPA served as a regulatory agency, but as a result of numerous statutes enacted by Congress, the agency's jurisdiction has swelled. Each bill would redesignate the EPA as the Department of Environmental Protection. RMSP supports the efforts of Congressman Vern Ehlers to include a deputy administrator for science within the department.
Source: Republican Main Street Partnership Legislative Agenda 02-RMSP3 on May 24, 2002
Focus on results, not regulation.
Pataki adopted the Republican Main Street Partnership issue stance:
First Steps: - Legislatively provide the EPA with a clear mission statement
- Simplify environmental reporting requirements to focus on results, not regulations
- Establish environmental improvement pilot programs at the state level
- Devote increased resources to researching the causes and effects of global warming
- Better understand -- and begin addressing -- the causes of and remedies to global warming
Source: Republican Main Street Partnership Issue Paper: Environment 98-RMSP1 on Sep 9, 1998
Page last updated: Jan 19, 2015
