(Albany, NY) – The Senate Republican and Independent Democratic Conferences have announced so-called “regulatory reform” plans in the waning days of the legislative session. Their package, which would roll back protections without regard to agencies that serve public health and the environment, requires the state workforce to justify every existing regulation and then permits Empire State Development to determine whether the regulations should continue based solely on the cost on business.
The following statement is attributable to Executive Director Dave Gahl:
“That the leadership of the Majority Coalition believes viewing every regulation – including those which protect public health and the environment – solely through the lens of economic development is offensive to every New Yorker who benefits from living and doing business in a state with clear air and clean water.
State environmental regulations have ensured that kids don’t have to go to the emergency room as frequently to be treated for asthma attacks, and that a family’s drinking water isn’t contaminated with toxic sludge. Regulations are more often than not basic protections that improve the lives of real people.
Need I remind Senators that many of the regulations to be under review are not the result of a mischievous regulatory elf lurking the halls of state government, but most often the direct work of their legislative activity?
Senate leadership needs to get serious about their work. Sulking towards the end of session and grasping for politically motivated headlines that do nothing to solve our state’s real problems is why the public has lost faith in their Chamber.”
