Environment DEC
From the July 2004 issue
DEC Begins Effort to Develop "New York Environmental Leaders" Program
The Department of Environmental Conservation's Division of Environmental Permits Pollution Prevention Unit recently hosted a meeting to gather stakeholder input for the purpose of designing the "New York Environmental Leaders" Program. This program is being developed by the Pollution Prevention Unit under the authorization of Commissioner Policy (CP-34) - Using Environmental Management Systems...in Department Programs. As keynote speaker, DEC's Executive Deputy Commissioner Denise Sheehan emphasized the goals of an environmentally and economically sustainable future for New York State.
Jeff Sama (middle), DEC Division Director
of Environmental Permits and head of the
New York Environmental Leaders Program
The meeting was held with New York members of the EPA's National Environmental Performance Track (NEPT)-a voluntary program that is focused on recognizing and providing incentives to top environmental performers. NEPT members shared their experiences and their ideas for developing the direction of the "New York Environmental Leaders" Program with representatives from USEPA and DEC.
In the near future, DEC's Pollution Prevention Unit will provide opportunities for a greater variety of stakeholders to comment on the formation of the program. This will be accomplished through a survey of stakeholders and by holding additional meetings throughout the state. Look for updates as development of the "New York Environmental Leaders" Program continues to move forward.
All photos taken by Matt Munderville, an intern in the Division of Environmental Permits
