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NEWS RENSSELAER COUNTY LEGISLATURE
Office of the Minority 270-2892
Minority Leader Ginny O'Brien 434-3347 H Deputy Minority Leader Keith Hammond 283-3329
Flora Fasoldt 466-1703 H Peter Grimm 273-1500 H Kevin Harrington 330-9114 H Brian Zweig 326-3980
www.rensselaercountygov.com
January 3, 2008
DEMOCRATS WANT CITIZENS' ENVIRONMENTAL COUNCIL
TROY---Democrats on the Rensselaer County Legislature want to see the Environmental Management Council get going after a lengthy lapse in activity. According to Troy legislator Peter Grimm, a member of the Legislature's Environment Committee, appointments to the Environmental Management Council (EMC) lapsed at the end of December 2005.
Grimm says, "We hired a new Environmental Director in April of this year but the Council has not met, limiting its effectiveness to advise the Legislature and localities on critical environmental issues." To spur activity, Grimm filed legislation directing the EMC Director to rally the group by March.
Despite the fact that the GOP Majority defeated the legislation in committee Wednesday, Grimm says he has accomplished his goal of getting the Environmental Council mobilized.
Grimm says, "It's important to have an active council of citizens meeting on a regular basis to provide input on the environmental challenges our County faces."
He continued, "As we come to grips with the consequences of our lifestyle on our environment, it is imperative for each of us to seek ways to preserve and improve the quality of our environment."
Grimm, says "The EMC served as a direct link between County government and the public ---educating citizens on environmental issues of concern, developing and conducting public information programs in the County to increase the public's understanding environmental problems, issues and their solutions."
The EMC was established in 1971 to serve as an advisory board to county government and its citizens on local environmental issues. The Council has traditionally been comprised of a representative from each town, city and village in the County.
According to Grimm, "This should not be a political forum but made of citizens who have an interest in our environment." Grimm encourages anyone interested in environmental issue to consider making a short term commitment by serving on the EMC for a two year term. Interested citizens may contact Grimm at 270-2890.
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