Dear Editor,
To help foster a healthier and cleaner environment for future generations of New Yorkers, I sponsored (A. 7483-A) the New York State Healthy and Green Procurement Act, which passed the Assembly last week on legislative environment day in Albany.
The New York State Healthy and Green Procurement Act seeks to reduce levels of toxic chemicals in the state’s rivers, streams, landfills and other sites to help lower cancer rates, birth defects and promote a healthier New York by providing development pollution control grants to small businesses, preferred sources and non-profit organizations.
I believe the best way to preserve New York’s natural resources and protect the environment is by building a stronger relationship between small businesses and government in promoting and carrying out sound economic policies that will work toward the common goal of leaving our children and grandchildren with a greener and healthier future.
By preserving our natural resources, we can make New York state a more attractive place for companies to do business here and create a higher standard of living for families in Western New York. Far too often, people associate businesses with being environmentally unfriendly and see bigger government and more regulations as the only solution in protecting the environment.
I am hopeful that under this legislation a stronger cooperation between small businesses and government will be formed to carry out the important task of preserving and protecting the state’s natural resources and leaving the environment a cleaner place for future generations.
Bill Reilich
Member of the Assembly
134th District