ALBANY On February 10, Senator Michelle Hinchey was presented with the Nelson A. Rockefeller Award by the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA), an statewide non-profit organization that represents leaders in water quality management. This award recognizes her dedication to clean water initiatives, modernizing and investing in New York’s aging water infrastructure, and is presented by NYWEA.
Senator Michelle Hinchey stated that it was an honor and a great honor for the New York Water Environment Association to recognize in me a level that they deem worthy the prestigious Nelson A. Rockefeller Award. Water is the most important resource on Earth. That is why I made protecting it a top priority for my office. New Yorkers have the right to water. This work is very personal to me. My career began as a grassroots organizer for Environment New York. I was inspired by my father, who was a prominent voice in this fight. I will continue the important work of those who have gone before me, and NYWEA has given me this award. I will continue to work for real, meaningful improvements in New York’s aged systems until everyone in the state has access.
Patricia Cerro-Reehil is the Executive Director of NY Water Environment Association. She stated that NYWEA was honored to present Senator Michelle Hinchey the Nelson A. Rockefeller Award. This Award honors Nelson A. Rockefellers brilliant leadership. He proposed, promoted, and implemented the State Pure Waters Program. The Federal government was encouraged to follow his lead, which culminated in the 1972 Clean Water Act. This award is given to Senator on the 50th anniversary of the Clean Water Act is very meaningful. NYWEA’s awarding her this award is significant historically because her father was awarded the same award in 2001. This award, which is NYWEA’s most prestigious award, is presented to an elected official who has made significant and meaningful contributions in advancing effective water quality programs.
Senator Hinchey has supported clean water initiatives such as:
Initiating the Safe Water Infrastructure Action Program to provide steady funding to municipalities for water system repairs and upgrades. (S3968A). To identify clean water issues in New York, and to provide solutions to them, I am leading a bipartisan legislative forum focused on Clean Water Infrastructure Funding Reform. Adopting legislation to expand water testing in schools for lead and other contaminants, making school water safer and cleaner for students as well as staff. (S2122A). New York’s first ever list of emerging contaminants was passed. It requires all water utilities in the state, including those serving the city, to test for the contaminants and notify the general public if any are found. (S1759A). Working with advocates to prevent a pumped storage unit from being built on Ashokan Reservoir, threatening the New York City Watershed. The Green Amendment was introduced to the New York State Constitution. It adds the right of clean air, clean water and a healthy environment. Her colleagues helped her secure a record $300,000,000 for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). This fund supports a variety of local environmental projects including protecting farmland and conserving watersheds. Securing $4.5 Million for climate-resilient farming programs, and $18 Million for farmland protection.
Reinstatement of the $3 billion Environmental Bond Act, which is awaiting November 2022 voter approval. This would allow the state reduce pollution, improve water and wastewater infrastructure, preserve open spaces, and help our communities to build resilience to extreme weather.
Sponsoring the Soil Health and Climate Resiliency Act.
Catskill Park received its first ever funding stream, which placed it on par with Adirondacks. The additional $100,000 will be used to increase the number Catskill Park Stewards.
Initiating legislation to create the Catskill Park coordinator (S6421) within Department of Environmental Conservation in order to address natural resource issues and public access concerns throughout Catskill ecosystem.
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