Governor David Paterson recently asked all of New York’s state agencies to look for new ways to cut corners. Reducing staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) SHOULD NOT be among these cost-cutting measures. 

Here’s just one reason why:

Last week, Environmental Advocates of New York released a report, Permission to Pollute, that uncovered serious flaws in the DEC’s oversight of hundreds of water pollution sources across the state.

The lack of staff at the agency is the main driver behind the state’s inadequate permit review practice; there simply aren’t enough engineers at the agency to scrutinize New York’s polluters and the permits that authorize water pollution discharges.

Governor Paterson is now asking all New York State agencies to look for ways to make more budget cuts.

We need your help. Ask the Governor not to force staff cuts on an already eviscerated state agency, the DEC. Ask Governor Paterson to protect New York's rivers, lakes and streams.

Visit www.eany.org to learn more and download the complete report.