PRESS RELEASE
February 11, 2008

Alex Shannon Named Environmental Committee Chairman

Legislator Alex Shannon has been named chairman of the Legislature’s Environmental Committee, Chairman of the Legislature Neil J. Kelleher announced.

As chairman of the Legislature’s Environmental Committee, Shannon will help review resolutions and legislation relating to environmental policies and issues in the county. Shannon also will help with the operation of the county Environmental Management Council, which serves as an advisory body to the Legislature.

Shannon was elected to the Legislature in fall 2007 as a representative of legislative District 4, following the tragic death of Edward Swartz. He succeeds Swartz as chairman of the Environmental Committee.

“This is an important committee of the Legislature, and I am honored to be chosen to serve as chairman. I look forward to the work ahead on environmental issues,” said Shannon.

Shannon said he wants to continue work on the successful farmland protection program which has helped save eight farms across the county. Shannon also recently teamed up with Legislator Martin Reid and local officials in Nassau and Schodack to call on state officials to begin a long-promised dam improvement project to help protect Nassau Lake.

Work on improving and possibly expanding the Papscanee Preserve will also be a priority. The 156-acre preserve, located along the Hudson River in the towns of Schodack and East Greenbush, is considered one of the most important protection efforts in the country.

Shannon also plans to continue and expand recycling efforts in county government. The Environmental Management Council helps coordinate recycling of paper throughout county government, helping save thousands of dollars annually. Legislation introduced by Shannon has helped bring new members to the county EMC, with meetings expected to begin in February.

“Alex has shown a good grasp of the environmental issues facing our county and has shown an interest in open space protection and recycling. He is a great choice to lead the Environmental Committee,” said Legislator Laura Bauer, who serves as a member of the Environmental Committee.

“Open space, revitalization of Nassau Lake, recycling and management of the Preserve are just a few of the issues we will be tackling in the months ahead. I look forward to working with Alex on these issues, especially the ones facing our legislative district,” said Legislator Martin Reid.

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