Warren Co. leaders endorse NYS 'Green Amendment'

QUEENSBURY | Warren County government took a stand last week in support of a state Constitutional amendment that is expected to strengthen environmental protection for all New York State residents. County supervisors unanimously passed a resolution Oct. 14 urging the passage of the so-called Green Amendment. While various environmental protection laws are now in place, this Constitutional amendment guarantees the rights of all New Yorkers to a healthful natural environment — including clean air and pure water — with the same level of protection as the right to free speech, freedom of religion, and other fundamental liberties. Glens Falls Ward 3 Supervisor Claudia Braymer, who as chair of the county Environmental Concern Committee introduced the measure to county leaders, said she appreciated the unanimous support of the supervisors for the resolution. "It's great to see Warren County once again leading in the arena of environmental protection," she said Oct. 16, noting that supervisors initially posed questions about the legislation when the measure was discussed in her committee. Cathy Pedler of the Adirondack Mountain Club initially brought the topic to Braymer's attention. In introducing the resolution of support to county officials on Sept. 22, Pedler said that their endorsement of the Green Amendment would not only inform county residents of the initiative, but it would let county residents and visitors know that their well-being was a top governmental priority. Oct. 16, Pedler praised the full county Board of Supervisors for their leadership in supporting the Green Amendment. "The proposed amendment would ensure environmental impacts are considered early in the process of government decision-making when prevention of pollution, degradation, and harm is most possible — and provides for the protection and respect of these rights to all people equally." New York State constitutional amendments must be passed twice by both the state Assembly and Senate. The second ratification occurs during the next regular two-year legislative session following the general election of state legislators. Following this second passage, the amendment is placed on the ballot for a statewide voter referendum. Once the amendment is approved by the majority of voters in the state, it is incorporated into the NYS Constitution. In April 2019, the state Assembly and Senate voted for the Green Amendment, and the bill is scheduled to come before the state Legislature in 2021. If passed, the proposed amendment would go to a public vote in the 2021 November election. Braymer and Pedler invited 10-term State Sen. Neil Breslin of Albany, a co-sponsor of the Green Amendment, to join the Sept. 22 meeting of the Warren County Environmental Concerns Committee to summarize the legislation for local supervisors. Breslin has owned a residence in Lake George for 50 years, and decades ago he used to drink water out of a nearby brook, he said as he greeted the county leaders. Breslin noted several industrial activities threatening public health in the Capital Region — including the burning of carcinogenic fire-retardant chemicals — would likely not have been permitted if the Green Amendment had been in place. "This is about the legacy we have to pass down — for future generations," he said.

Signup for our newsletter

Warren Co. leaders endorse NYS 'Green Amendment'

COMPANY

CUSTOMER SUPPORT

SUBMISSION FORMS

BEYOND THE NEWS