State Assembly adopts eco-friendly bills

ALBANY -- The state Assembly adopted a package of environmental bills including rules to control withdrawal of fresh water and a ban on Styrofoam cups and plates in state or municipal food service.

The measures passed late Monday constituted the chamber's Earth Day agenda, said Assemb. Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), who is chairman of the Environmental Conservation Committee.

Among the bills, some of which have sponsors in the Senate and some of which do not, were:

A requirement that the state Department of Environmental Conservation issue permits for businesses that withdraw 100,000 gallons or more of fresh water daily.

A ban on the use of Styrofoam kitchenware by private businesses that operate state or municipal food service systems.

Creation of a drop-off system for recycling of mercury-filled home thermostats.

Giving DEC regulatory power over wetlands of one acre or more.

Requiring testing of drinking well water as a condition for the sale of private property.

Restricting the use in consumer products of a flame retardant, decabromodiphenyl ether, linked to neurological problems.

Creation of a system that gives preference to environmentally sensitive products, technologies and services in state purchasing.

Encouragement of the use of recycled materials in the making of packing "peanuts."

"Earth Day is an opportunity for us to focus on the health of New Yorkers and our environment. This package of bills does just that," said Sweeney. "These measures will help preserve our natural resources and create cleaner, healthier communities."