5 Things You Need to Know | July 2020 ADK Conservation News
By: Casey Marvel - Adirondack Council Policy Fellow
July 30, 2020
Adirondack Conservation News is a collection of the most current events taking place in New York’s Adirondack Park, a unique national treasure and legacy we inherited over 100 years ago, that we must protect for future generations. Adirondack Conservation News aims to highlight both threats and opportunities concerning the Park’s ecological integrity, wild character, and community vibrancy.
Appeals Court: EPA Dodging Clean Air Act Duty
In a victory for clean air, a federal appeals court upheld a lower court’s ruling that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made unreasonable excuses for not upholding the “good neighbor” provision of the Clean Air Act. The decision means that EPA will be required to enforce clean air regulations on coal-burning power plants in upwind states whose toxic emissions cause clean air problems in downwind states. The Adirondack Council and partners applaud the court’s ruling which was a crucial decision that will help ensure the Adirondack Park can remain a safe haven for clean air and continue its recovery from acid rain.
Adirondack Groups Cheer Passing of Road Salt Reduction Bill
The New York State Assembly and Senate passed legislation to establish an Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force and Pilot Program. If signed by Governor Cuomo, this legislation would direct the state to study and test ways to update winter road management practices in an effort to reduce pollution in drinking-water wells and waterbodies across the Adirondack Park. The bi-partisan legislation was supported by a variety of local and state groups that are eager for the Governor to sign the bill as soon as possible. The Adirondack Council and partners thanked bill sponsors Senator Tim Kennedy and Assemblyman Billy Jones as well as north country representatives Senator Betty Little and Assemblyman Dan Stec for their efforts in passing this legislation.
'Embarrassed' Diversity Backers Say Racist Graffiti Show Need for Adirondack Initiative
Local leaders who helped found the Adirondack Diversity Initiative expressed disappointment and embarrassment with the racist graffiti that was spray-painted on a bridge in Saranac Lake in June. The graffiti was painted by a bridge where Adirondack Diversity Initiative leader Nicole Hylton-Patterson regularly jogs. Even though Hylton-Patterson is moving out of Saranac Lake, she said she is doubling down on her work and the incident highlights the critical need for the work that she is doing Governor Cuomo condemned the incident and directed the State Police Hate Crimes Task Force to assist Saranac Lake Police with its investigation
DEC: Stop Trashing the Mountains
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a statement reminding visitors of the importance of practicing Leave No Trace principles when recreating outside. This comes as the DEC continues to get an increased numbers of reports of visitors leaving trash on state lands, especially in the Adirondack Park. Along with being an eyesore for other visitors, leaving trash behind also is dangerous to wildlife and sensitive ecosystems. The DEC encourages all outdoor recreationists to practice and share with others the Leave No Trace principles in order to keep wildlands trash free.
Adirondack Council Holds Virtual Annual Meeting
Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, the Adirondack Council hosted its first virtual annual meeting on Saturday, July 11. The meeting highlighted a year full of challenges overcome and successes in preserving the Adirondack Park as a national treasure. The Council thanked its members, board, staff, and partners for their dedication and support of its work in advocating for clean water, air, wildlife, wildlands, and communities in the largest Park in the contiguous United States. It was wonderful to have so many members participate from far away, easing the disappointment that we were not able to gather together in the Adirondacks this year.
Casey Marvel is the Policy Fellow in the Council’s Albany office. He assists the government relations and communication teams by tracking legislation, researching issues and advocating for the Adirondacks. A native of Niskayuna, New York, Casey recently completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Albany, and is currently pursuing his Master’s in Political Science. Casey has always been intrigued and passionate about the Adirondacks, having visited the Park throughout his life, from fishing at Paradox Lake, to recently pursuing the 46 High Peaks.
