Fog/Mist 45°
Tag:

Environmental Protection

Politics
Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Putnam Congressional Race District Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Putnam Congressional Race District
Democrat Pat Ryan Prevails In Razor-Thin Redrawn Putnam Congressional Race District New York Democratic Rep. Pat Ryan has squeezed out a win against Republican Assemblyman Colin Schmitt for the 18th US Congressional District.  Earlier Report - Rep. Pat Ryan Edging Out Republican Colin Schmitt In NY’s 18th District Race (Developing) Ryan won the contest by just over 2,000 votes, earning 50.4 percent of the total votes cast, according to the New York Times. Schmitt compiled 49.6 percent of the vote. In a tweet on Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 9, Ryan, the former Ulster County executive, celebrated his hard-fought victory.  Now we begin the real work to unify our country an…

SHARE

by Ben Crnic
Politics
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing)
Republican Marc Molinaro On Track To Win In NY’s 19th District (Developing) This story has been updated. Republicans appeared poised to win in New York’s 19th Congressional District, with Marc Molinaro seemingly on track to defeat Democrat Josh Riley early Wednesday, Nov. 9.  Molinaro, the Dutchess County executive, was leading Riley by 2.2 percentage points, 51 to 49 percent, as of early Wednesday morning, Nov. 9, with more than 95 percent of the votes in. The 19th Congressional District includes the counties of Columbia, Delaware, Greene, Otsego, Schoharie, Sullivan, and Ulster, as well as portions of Broome, Dutchess, Montgomery, and Rensselaer counties. …

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul
Legislation Banning Smoking At NY State Parks, Beaches Signed Into Law By Hochul New Yorkers can no longer light up at state parks and beaches. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Friday, July 15, that prohibits smoking in all state-owned beaches, boardwalks, marinas, playgrounds, recreation centers, and group camps. Those who violate the law could be fined $50. "Smoking is a dangerous habit that affects not only the smoker but everyone around them, including families and children enjoying our state's great public places," Hochul said in a statement. "I'm proud to sign this legislation that will protect New Yorker's health and help reduce litter in public parks and …

SHARE

by Michael Mashburn
News
State Forest In Region Doubles In Size After New Acquisition, Officials Announce State Forest In Region Doubles In Size After New Acquisition, Officials Announce
State Forest In Region Doubles In Size After New Acquisition, Officials Announce New York State officials announced the acquisition of 1,175 acres of land, more than doubling the size of a a state forest in the region. Gov. Kathy Hochul made the announcement about the acquisition of the lands in Rensselaer County adjoining Pittstown State Forest on the Rensselaer Plateau in Grafton on Wednesday, April 20. "New York State is laser focused on preserving and enhancing open space, and the Rensselaer Plateau, just a short visit from the Capitol, provides a spectacular outdoor escape from Albany's bustling downtown," Hochul said. "Today's addition to the Pittstown State …

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know
NY Styrofoam Ban Takes Effect Jan. 1: Here's What To Know New York State's ban on single-use Styrofoam food and beverage containers and packing peanuts will soon take effect. According to the state Department of Environmental Conservatism, the ban on packing peanuts and food and beverage containers made of polystyrene foam, often known by the brand name Styrofoam, will go into effect on Saturday, Jan. 1. The goal of the ban is to help protect the environment, as foam packaging is a major contributor to environmental litter, harming waterways, wildlife and more. Officials said under the new ban, no food service provider or store covered in the lis…

SHARE

by Nicole Valinote
News
Damaged Fuel Line Cited As Cause For New Paltz's Tainted Water Damaged Fuel Line Cited As Cause For New Paltz's Tainted Water
Damaged Fuel Line Cited As Cause For New Paltz's Tainted Water Environmental officials have identified a damaged fuel line as the likely source of contamination of the water system in the Village of New Paltz. Village officials reported on Wednesday, Feb. 12, that during the installation of the village's water plant’s new filtration system, a third-party contractor damaged the fuel line to the treatment plant’s oil furnace creating a slow seepage leak into the ground approximately 500 feet from the reservoir on the Mountain Rest Road water treatment plant property.  "We believe oil began to leak from the damaged line once the heat was turned on th…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water
SUNY New Paltz Closed Through Week's End Due To Reports Of Tainted Water All classes have been canceled through the end of the week at SUNY New Paltz due to reported tainted water. College officials at the campus in Ulster County said they made the decision on Tuesday, Feb. 11, to close out of an abundance of caution for the safety of students after being notified by a precautionary advisory issued by the Village of New Paltz. They said the closure will last until at least Saturday, Feb. 15. The first water notice was issued on Monday, Feb. 10, after residents complained of an "odor" and "taste" problems coming from the water supply. During an inspection, a “s…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
Business
Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY
Wegmans, With New Store In Area Near Opening, Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic Bags In NY Have your reusable grocery bags ready? With a new store set to open in the area over the summer, Wegmans announced that the company is planning to phase out single-use plastic grocery bags in all its New York stores as of Monday, Jan .27. The grocery store giant announced on Monday, Jan. 6, that ahead of a planned statewide ban on single-use bags that takes effect in March, they will begin encouraging customers to use reusable bags. Related story: Wegmans Sets Official Opening Day For Harrison Location Paper bags will still be available for a five-cent fee, with sales being donated…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Police & Fire
Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area
Oil Truck Crashes Down Embankment, Causing Fuel Leak In Area An oil tanker crashed down an embankment, causing a fuel leak that firefighters are still busy soaking up. The crash took place around 2 p.m., Friday, Nov. 1, in Putnam Valley on Hollowbrook Road, officials said. The driver was not injured, but firefighters with the Putnam Valley Department are using absorbent pads to stop the oil from leaking into the nearby Hollow Brook, the department said. Mahopac Falls Volunteer Fire Department and Montrose VA Fire Department and the Putnam County Bureau of Emergency Services Hazmat Team assisted with the call. 

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
Feds Sue Orange County Horse Racing Training Center Over Violations Feds Sue Orange County Horse Racing Training Center Over Violations
Feds Sue Orange County Horse Racing Training Center Over Violations The federal government has levied charges against the owners of a Hudson Valley horse racing training center for allegedly violating the Federal Clean Water Act. It is alleged that from 2007 to 2017, the owners and operators of Mark Ford Stables in Wallkill destroyed existing federal wetlands and rerouted streams in the course of building a horse racing training center at both properties,” U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Berman said. In addition, the owners allegedly have operated a concentrated animal feeding operation without a permit, allowing horse wash water and process wastewater to be discha…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York
Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bottle Toiletries Gains Steam In New York Tiny plastic bottles of shampoo, conditioner and body wash in hotels may soon be a thing of the past in New York as lawmakers continue efforts to reduce plastic waste statewide. Long Island Sen. Todd Kaminsky announced a proposal this week that would prohibit hotels from providing patrons with single-use plastic toiletries. Instead, guests may see wall-mounted dispensers, multi-use bottles or non-plastic containers used. It is estimated that hotels in New York City alone dispose of more than 25 million mini-plastic bottles each year. Some hotel chains have already taken measures to elimin…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Video: Joined By Billy Joel, Cuomo Signs Bill Banning Offshore Drilling In NY Waters Video: Joined By Billy Joel, Cuomo Signs Bill Banning Offshore Drilling In NY Waters
Video: Joined By Billy Joel, Cuomo Signs Bill Banning Offshore Drilling In NY Waters Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, joined by Billy Joel, signed legislation to ban offshore drilling in New York State waters. The festivities were held in Wantagh on Monday, April 29. The legislation (S.2316 (Kaminsky)/A.2572 (Englebright) will bar the state from granting permits for drilling, or oil or gas exploration in offshore areas controlled by the state.  The ban will protect New York State waters and coasts by making it more difficult for oil and gas drilling to occur close to coastal New York, even in waters controlled by the federal government.  In addition, the legislation p…

SHARE

by Donna Christopher
Police & Fire
They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22 They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22
They're Back: Black Bear Spotted Off Route 22 The bears are waking up and are busy dumpster diving and ravaging garbage cans. This bear was spotted off Route 22 in Brewster on Monday, March 25, by a Daily Voice reader. Environmental officials say that means its time to lock your garbage cans, remove bird feeders from yards, and to watch your household pets if they free roam in your yard. A few tips to remember if approached by a bear: Remain calm and avoid sudden movements; Give the bear plenty of room, allowing it to continue its activities undisturbed. If it changes its behavior, you are too close, back away; If you see a bea…

SHARE

by Kathy Reakes
News
New Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags Underway In New York New Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags Underway In New York
New Move To Ban Single-Use Plastic Bags Underway In New York In an effort to “combat litter, help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and protect the environment for future generations,” New York is banning single-use plastic bags and is expanding the bottle bill to include most non-alcoholic containers. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced this week that a bottle bill expansion and a plastic bag ban will be included in the 2019 Executive Budget. The expansion on the bottle bill will make most non-alcoholic drink containers eligible for five-cent redemption. The expansion on the bottle bill will include sports drinks, energy drinks, fruit and vegetable b…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Cuomo Unveils $178 Billion Spending Plan Filled With Liberal Policies Cuomo Unveils $178 Billion Spending Plan Filled With Liberal Policies
Cuomo Unveils $178 Billion Spending Plan Filled With Liberal Policies New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has unveiled his annual state budget proposal that includes an aggressive liberal agenda. At the annual traditional State of the State speech on Tuesday, Jan. 15, Cuomo released his $178 billion spending plan that includes progressive voter reform, legal marijuana and safety reform for limousines. He also proposed making the state’s 2 percent property-tax cap permanent. Cuomo has called the budget his “most aggressive” during his three terms in office, spanning eight years. He and the Democrat-controlled New York Legislature have vowed to get long-awaited legislat…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Pivotal Murphy, Harckham State Senate Battle Gets Heated Pivotal Murphy, Harckham State Senate Battle Gets Heated
Pivotal Murphy, Harckham State Senate Battle Gets Heated The 40th Senate District, which includes parts of Westchester, Putnam and Dutchess counties is considered one of eight "battleground" elections that could tip the balance of political power in Albany. On Tuesday, Nov. 6 voters can choose between incumbent Republican Sen. Terrence Murphy and Democrat Peter Harckham. Murphy of Yorktown was elected to the state Senate in 2014, and is completing his second two-year term.  Harckham of South Salem, a former Westchester County legislator, defeated Robert Kesten in the Sept. 13 Democratic Party primary election. Kesten said he supports Harckh…

SHARE

by Jon Craig
Politics
Cuomo Calls For Offshore Drilling Ban In New York Cuomo Calls For Offshore Drilling Ban In New York
Cuomo Calls For Offshore Drilling Ban In New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced a ban against offshore drilling and exploration on Friday, May 4, something that President Trump has pushed for. Cuomo advanced the "Save Our Waters" bill to prohibit the leasing of lands, including underwater lands, for offshore drilling and exploration in New York state waters.  A draft of the legislation can be found by clicking here. The Governor's action to protect New York's waters from oil and gas exploration was prompted by the Trump administration's plan to vastly expand offshore drilling in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. "The federal…

SHARE

by Jon Craig
Politics
Cuomo Announces Plan To Ban Plastic Bags Cuomo Announces Plan To Ban Plastic Bags
Cuomo Announces Plan To Ban Plastic Bags A day after the world celebrated Earth Day, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed a bill that would ban plastic bags throughout the state. Cuomo announced on Monday that he has introduced legislation that would ban single-use, plastic carryout bags based on the recommendation of the New York State Plastic Bags Task Force, which “outlined the environmental impact” of reducing the use of the bags at retail locations. Led by State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos along with co-chairs Sen. Thomas O'Mara and Assemblyman Steve Englebright, the Task Force was ta…

SHARE

by Zak Failla
Politics
Residents, Clergy Hold Vigil Near Cuomo's Home, Seeking To Protect Planet Residents, Clergy Hold Vigil Near Cuomo's Home, Seeking To Protect Planet
Residents, Clergy Hold Vigil Near Cuomo's Home, Seeking To Protect Planet More than 80 faith leaders and residents gathered in prayer for "a safe and healthy future for all New York state residents and for our planet home" outside Gov. Andrew Cuomo's home in New Castle on Sunday, Feb. 25.  Led by the founders of the grassroots group, Healing and Protecting Our Land Together: A Call to Prayer, the attendees asked Cuomo to “walk the talk on his commitment for the environment and to demonstrate the courage to be a true climate leader," the group said in a news statement. They asked him to release the risk assessment of the Enbridge/Spectra AIM high-pr…

SHARE

by Jon Craig