Environment DEC
From the September 2006 issue
Commissioner Sheehan Speaks on Climate Change at Chautauqua Institution
Commissioner Denise M. Sheehan from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently spoke at the Chautauqua Institution on how New York State is rising to the challenge of addressing global climate change. The Commissioner addressed an audience of about 1,500 people at the close of the fifth week of a nine-week-long annual summer program at the prestigious institution. The theme of week five was, "Global Climate Change: Securing the Future."
Addressing Climate Change
Seven northeast states are
participating in the Regional
Greenhouse Gas Initiative
Commissioner Sheehan discussed New York State's leadership in creating the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI has joined seven northeastern states in a groundbreaking agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the impact of our heavily industrialized region on global climate. The Commissioner also described the state's ongoing efforts to encourage energy and transportation alternatives that will bring about a gradual shift from the negative effects of fossil fuels and the vehicles that use them, to renewables like E85 ethanol and biodiesel, and low-emission vehicles that use hybrid and flex-fuel technologies. She also discussed the Renewable Portfolio Standard and the Green Building Initiative in New York State.
Other speakers ranged from former Vice President Al Gore to Rev. Dr. Albert Pennybacker of the National Religious Partnership for the Environment. Quoting from the institute's press release, "Speakers explored the current politics, both national and international, of climate change, discussed the economic motivations that either prevent or promote action toward a sustainable future, and noted examples of observed effects on the biosphere."
The Chautauqua Institution
Since its founding in 1874, the Chautauqua Institution has hosted national and international dignitaries from presidents to celebrities at its lecture platform. Among many other things, the institute "encourages the identification and exploration of the value dimensions in the important religious, social and political issues of our times."
