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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 23, 2009

ALBANY, N.Y. – The Adirondack Council today praised Gov. David Paterson for his choice of U.S. Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand as the new U.S. Senator from New York. The announcement was made at noon today.

“We are thrilled to congratulate Kirsten Gillibrand on her appointment to the post of U.S. Senator,” said Adirondack Council Executive Director Brian L. Houseal. “Kirsten Gillibrand has been an excellent congresswoman for the north country and has been an ardent environmentalist. Gov. David Paterson could not have made a better choice. We are very hopeful that she will have a strong influence on the Senate, and will be a strong voice for environmental protection, just as our Senior Senator Charles Schumer has been.

“Congresswoman Gillibrand was the first public official in the United States to purchase and retire carbon dioxide pollution allowances from a government-mandated greenhouse gas reduction program,” Houseal said. “Her leadership – by buying and retiring the first nine tons’ worth of carbon allowances -- has helped our Cool Park/Healthy Planet program permanently retire 1,750 tons’ worth of carbon dioxide allowances in less than two months.” Houseal noted that Gillibrand was a champion of the new Farm Bill, helping to secure funding for the Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program. This would allow localities to receive matching federal money to help acquire park land, to provide public access and preserve open space.

Gillibrand purchases a Carbon Reduction Certificate from Council Executive Director, Brian Houseal on December 2, 2008

Gillibrand also supported the Northern Border Economic Development Commission as part of the Farm Bill. This provision would allow up to $30 million a year be divided between NY, VT, NH and ME. Their northern forest counties would use the funds to promote economic development and environmental protection projects.

The Adirondack Council is a privately funded, not-for-profit environmental research, education and advocacy organization dedicated to ensuring the ecological integrity and wild character of the Adirondack Park. Founded in 1975, the Council has members in all 50 United States.