2012 Priorities
(1) Fracking: call for strong regulations and greater accountability to protect the integrity of NYC’s water supply. Consider broadening WCC’s approach to include other aspects of the environment, and possibly agriculture insofar as it relates to increasing the food supply brought into the City from upstate New York.
(2) Styrofoam: develop ways to press for its elimination or limited use.
(3) Evaluate Urban Food production as a possible priority.
(4) Transportation and Infrastructure: co-host public programs and develop a follow-up agenda related to the MTA capital program (securing a lock box for MTA funds from State invasion, opposing service cuts, and advocating for well-maintained, clean, rat-free, safe subway stations).
Recent Accomplishments
Hydraulic Fracturing
Dr. Jannette M. Barth, Ph.D. discusses the economic impact of hydrofracking on New York.
- 4/6/11 – In response to vocal opposition from activists, including the WCC, State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Joe Martens announces regulations that apply a stricter level of scrutiny to drilling permit applications.
- 11/30/11 – Testifies against threats posed to NYC’s water supply by hydrofracking.
- 12/30/11 – Urges Governor Cuomo and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Martens to ban hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale.
- 2/3/12 – Urges President Obama to await the EPA’s review of hydrofracking’s environmental impact before endorsing this natural gas extraction method.
- 2/17/12 – Testifies to the Department of Environmental Conservation on the threat that hydrofracking poses to NYC’s water supply.
Recycling and Sustainability
- 4/26/11 – Testifies to City Council that food container materials should be recyclable/biodegradable.
- 6/30/11 – Testifies before the City Council Sanitation and Waste Management Committee on the issue of over-packaging.
Expert panelists discuss MTA funding
Public Transportation
- 6/03/11 – Urges NYS Assembly to support transit funding lockbox act, leading to it passing both the House and Senate in late June (A06766C/S4257C).
- 7/12/11 – Urges Governor Cuomo to sign transit “lockbox” legislation and protect designated public transportation funding.
- 1/19/12 – Co-sponsors program with New York League of Conservation Voters to educate the public about the financial challenges the MTA faces this coming year.
Recycling Study
With the assistance of Alexandra Fairweather, a student intern from Columbia University’s Communities In Action Program, the WCC undertook a 10-week study to improve understanding of and compliance with the City’s residential recycling laws by residents. Results include a brochure with recommendations to improve recycling, a video to help New Yorkers learn more about recycling and improve their own habits, and laid the groundwork for 2010 advocacy initiatives including expansion of the City’s recycling laws.
