Environment DEC
From the April 2009 issue
DEC Proposes a New Greenhouse Gas Policy
Greenhouse gas emissions may be included in the state's environmental review of large-scale projects under a new initiative announced recently by DEC as another step in the fight against climate change. The proposed policy provides guidance designed to help DEC staff consider greenhouse gas emissions and energy use when conducting environmental reviews of new projects.
Climate Change Added to Decision Process
"This initiative builds on Governor Paterson's commitment to addressing the most important environmental issue of our time-climate change," DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis said. "The policy is part of New York State's effort to integrate concerns about climate change into our decision-making. It will help guide DEC staff when reviewing large-scale projects, ensuring that the environmental impacts of energy use and greenhouse gas emissions are considered."
Environmental reviews are conducted under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQR). It requires that the "lead agency" designated to review a project identify and assess actions for their potential adverse environmental impacts, and in certain cases, develop an environmental impact statement (EIS) and propose mitigation strategies.
When and How Guidance May be Used
DEC wants to raise awareness about ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions including energy efficient lighting, alternative fuels and access to public transit.
"When DEC is the lead agency and greenhouse gas emissions have been identified as significant, these instructions will enable staff to make sure the EIS properly addresses climate change," said Anne Reynolds, Director of the DEC Commissioner's Policy Office. "We want to raise awareness of all the actions that can be taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, from energy-efficient lighting, to access to public transit, to alternative fuels."
The DEC anticipates that this guidance will apply to large-scale developments that use significant amounts of energy. The guidance includes a menu of design measures that can mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, such as energy-efficient construction, integration of renewable energy technologies, promotion of alternative transportation modes, and waste reduction.
Review and Comment
The proposed policy, Draft Guide for Assessing Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions, is available on DEC's website. There is still time to respond to the 30-day public comment period, which began on March 11 and ends on April 10, 2009. Written comments should be sent to John Marscholik, NYS DEC, Office of Climate Change, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY, 12233. Comments can also be sent via e-mail to: climatechange@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
In a separate but related effort, DEC has started the process of redesigning the environmental assessment form (EAF), a tool used in SEQR reviews. The update of this form, which requires a regulatory change, will include the addition of questions related to energy use and greenhouse gas emissions, among other issues.
