For Release: Monday, April 13, 2009
DEC Launches New "Help for Businesses" Web Gateway
The 'Place to Start' for Info on Regulations, Permits and Ways to Tap into Cutting-Edge Technology
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis today announced the launch of a new web gateway, "Help For Businesses," on the department's homepage that will provide permitting guidance, promote sustainability and assist companies in employing strong environmental practices.
"Help for Businesses" will offer a central point for information and assistance on environmental reviews and permitting, money- and energy-saving practices, and cutting-edge technology. In addition, the site will also contain links to state business-assistance programs run by other agencies.
"Across New York State, we see evidence that businesses incorporating sound environmental decision-making in their operations and in the early stages of their planning are the strongest, most successful enterprises around," Commissioner Grannis said. "With this new web gateway, we want to encourage this approach. Whether a company needs a permit or information on reducing the use of toxics, working with DEC early in the process is the best way to achieve a successful outcome: one that's good for the environment and for the bottom line."
"Businesses today face many challenges, but knowing where to turn for help is the first step toward success," said Empire State Development Corp. President and CEO Marisa Lago. "The launch of the DEC 'Help for Businesses' website, with its wealth of information on money-saving operations and cutting-edge technology, is further evidence of the state's commitment to helping businesses meet both their economic and environmental goals."
"This new web gateway provides an easy and convenient resource to New York businesses that need information and help with review and permitting processes and also resources to save money and make a business greener. The Business Council welcomes this new resource for New York businesses," said Kenneth Adams, President and CEO of The Business Council of New York State.
The link to the "Help for Businesses" gateway can be found on DEC's website . It will contain helpful information on:
Permit information and assistance: Assistance with ascertaining what permits are necessary and determining the status of pending permits, as well as links to technical assistance.
Greening Your Business: Resources to tap into cutting-edge technology, eco-friendly tax credits and technical assistance grants, ways to decrease waste and the use of toxic chemicals, and the latest research efforts to promote "green chemistry" and green manufacturing methods at the Pollution Prevention Institute (P2I).
New York Environmental Leaders Program: This program assists companies and organizations in developing and implementing new operating methods. It also provides recognition for those companies that employ strong environmental practices that go beyond merely complying with existing laws. Members can also tap into a P2I internship program that matches college engineering and science majors with companies.
Technical assistance grants and environmental cleanup programs: Information about nominating parcels for incentivized programs such as the Brownfields Cleanup Program and information about assistance through Empire State Development Corp. (www.empire.state.ny.us)
Environmental Management Systems: Tools and guidelines to integrate environmental concerns into daily business practices.
Green Procurement: Information on New York State's new initiative to purchase products and services that have minimal environmental impact.
"We have found that there is a thirst in the business community for innovative ways of addressing environmental problems, and increasing efficiency through good environmental initiatives," Commissioner Grannis said. "Whatever a company's need - from information on permits to waste-reduction practices to research on how to prevent pollution in the first place -- this new web site is the place to start."
