Environment DEC
From the December 2006 issue
DEC Announces Draft Policy to Cultivate Environmental Leaders
DEC recently announced the release of a draft policy on the New York Environmental Leaders (NYEL) program. The draft policy sets forth the details of the NYEL program, including program requirements, benefits to participating organizations, and DEC's responsibilities in implementing the program.
Offers Incentives for Voluntary Cooperation
The Environmental Leaders Program
provides recognition and incentives
for environmentally responsible
organizations
DEC has proposed the NYEL policy to provide recognition and incentives for environmentally responsible organizations. This policy is a proactive approach to protecting the environment. The goal of NYEL is to motivate businesses and organizations in New York State to voluntarily implement environmental management systems (EMS) by providing recognition and incentives to organizations that are able to demonstrate, and provide future commitment to improved environmental performance.
Performance Beyond Compliance Emphasized
An EMS is a set of management processes, procedures, and performance objectives that allow a facility to continuously analyze, control, and reduce the environmental impacts of its activities. Participants in the program demonstrate environmental responsibility through the use of pollution prevention practices that go beyond compliance, including sustainable business practices and greater transparency of their environmental management activities, among other practices.
Offers Two Tiers of Business Membership
The proposed draft NYEL policy includes two membership tiers, which give consideration to the different levels of environmental performance that exist in the regulated business community. Tier one will be open to organizations which have mature environmental management systems and an existing record of environmental leadership. Tier two is an entry tier for organizations that are just beginning their efforts to improve their environmental performance. Incentives and recognition will vary based on the tier in which an organization participates.
For More Information
For additional details on the NYEL program, see the New York Environmental Leaders link in "Related Links" below.
