Gov.'s Enviro Appointments Great Choices; Stewart Airport Expansion Viewed as Flashing Yellow Light

(HUDSON VALLEY) - Scenic Hudson applauds Gov. Eliot Spitzer's nomination of Assemblyman Pete Grannis to be commissioner of the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Judith Enck to be deputy secretary for the environment. The group was cautious about the opportunity to make Stewart Airport a model "green design" airport that would spur economic progress in the region. Scenic Hudson stressed the need to manage a Stewart expansion in a way that would build on, rather than diminish, the region's prosperity and quality of life.

GRANNIS AND ENCK WILL BE GOOD FOR VALLEY
"Pete Grannis's legislative record distinguishes him as a true friend of the environment. He understands the issues that are at the intersection of economic growth and a healthy and beautiful environment," said Ned Sullivan, president of Scenic Hudson and formerly the top environmental official in Maine as well as a former deputy commissioner at the DEC. "I feel he also grasps the reality of global warming in the valley and will seek innovative responses to it."

"Judith Enck has been, and will no doubt continue to be, a strong advocate for the Hudson River Valley. Her knowledge of depth and nuance of environmental issues is first-rate. She's a key member of the new administration who also understands the legislative arena, and this combined with her environmental policy expertise will yield big dividends," said Mr. Sullivan.

FAILURE NOT AN OPTION WITH STEWART
"The airport will be a key test on Gov. Spitzer's ability to create economic opportunity in harmony with protecting environmental assets that also are key to our prosperity. Because the valley is a National Heritage Area with world-class cultural and scenic attractions that are economic engines, getting it right with Stewart is an imperative," said Mr. Sullivan.

"If smart growth principles are injected into the Stewart expansion we can avoid damaging the health of the environment and livability in communities near the airport. We can't allow a drastic increase in air traffic or sprawling, poorly planned development to damage the very foundation of what makes this region an ever-greater choice of where to live and do business.

"We'll look for Governor Spitzer to marry this airport plan with innovative ways to expand rail and other mass transit options. Traffic and air pollution are issues of concern near airports, and this one is surrounded by important and threatened farmland and other natural areas. Failing to get it right at Stewart can't be an option," concluded Mr. Sullivan.