October 22, 2020 - Local Candidates on the Ballot Nov. 3rd
Green Screen Results for Local Candidates
Sustainable Warwick has established a “Green Screen” process to interview candidates for local office — Village, Town, State and School Board — and get their views on important, often controversial environmental and sustainability issues. This year, we focused on three local races: Jen Metzger (Dem, Incumbent) vs Mike Martucci (Rep) in the 42nd Senatorial District; James Skoufis (Dem, Incumbent) vs Steve Brescia (Rep) in the 39th Senatorial District; and Colin Schmitt (Rep, Incumbent) vs Sarita Bhandarkar (Dem) in the 99th Assembly District.
Steve Brescia and Colin Schmitt chose not to participate in this process. The answers of the other four candidates appear below, although Mike Martucci chose to submit written answers as opposed to a live interview. Here are the questions and the responses:
1. Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (S6599 A8429). What do you think about the CLCPA which puts NYS on the path to reduce statewide greenhouse emissions by 85% by 2050? Please be specific about conservation measures that you support and conservation measures that you cannot support.
JM: I was proud to be a member of the working group that drafted the CLCPA. It is the most forward-looking piece of climate legislation in the country. The shift to a clean energy economy is an economic opportunity for our state to create thousands of good-paying jobs and achieve true energy independence and security. It is also absolutely essential, for the sake of our children, to averting the most dangerous scenarios of a changing climate. We can start moving toward these climate goals now. For example, my Freedom from Fossil Fuels Act bill would help us transition to sources of renewable energy. I’ve also introduced and passed several pieces of legislation to build out electric vehicle infrastructure, which will help us reduce harmful emissions and air pollution. Farms and farmers also have a critical role to play. I have introduced a bill that would create a tax credit for farming methods that sequester harmful carbon in soils.
MM: As a farmer and steward of the land I believe that we must do what is prudent to protect and manage our environment and natural resources for future generations. As the former owner of a school transportation company that fielded a fleet of more than 500 school buses, I was committed to incorporating clean fuel vehicles into my fleet with the goal of completely transitioning to clean and alternative fuel vehicles.
JS: Not only did I co-sponsor the CLCPA, I helped write the bill and helped push the Governor to pass it. The CLCPA is without question the most aggressive climate bill in the 50 states. Now the focus must be on implementation. We need to strengthen our grid and, since transportation is our biggest source of greenhouse gasses, we need to work on charging stations and public transportation.
SB: I fully support the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (S6599, A8429). I think it is important to take a “full steam ahead” approach now on conservation measures. The future of our planet is literally at stake. I believe that we have a responsibility to the next generation to put the full weight of our political will and economic might behind conservation measures. This was clear over twenty years ago when I was in college; however, at that time, as a country, we did not have the necessary sense of urgency about climate change because we were not yet feeling the direct impact of climate change on our daily lives. It was easier to keep choosing short term profits when we weren’t feeling the devastating effects of wildfires, hurricanes, droughts, and other severe weather events which will displace not just individuals or families but whole communities within the U.S. and the world. The CLCPA is a necessary first step in getting New York moving in the right direction on climate change.
2. Zero emission truck standards: What do you think about State Bill S8765A which establishes targets for sales of zero emissions medium and heavy-duty vehicles in NYS. “Such standards shall contain the same sales targets, fleet percentages and credit calculations for zero emissions medium and heavy-duty vehicles as regulations adopted by the State of California.”
JM: I introduced this bill, which creates a zero-emissions program for new trucks and buses, similar to the program that already exists in New York for cars and light trucks. Big trucks and buses are among the most significant sources of air pollution and harmful emissions that contribute to climate change, and clean alternatives already exist. This common-sense legislation will keep us on track to meet our climate goals, while addressing the serious public health costs associated with the air pollution caused by these heavy vehicles.
MM: The District is home to thousands of small farms, and as a part- time farmer I understand the reliance upon heavy equipment. Similarly, as the former owner of a school transportation company with more than 500 buses I have a strong understanding of the environmental concerns and economics of fleet operations. The transition to zero emissions medium and heavy-duty vehicles is the ideal that government and private interests are working toward achieving. It is important for government to serve as a guide to support the transition to zero emissions vehicles. This can come in the form of subsidies, tax credits and even facilitating fleet pricing for smaller businesses and farmers. But we must be mindful of our existing business and not create a situation where they cannot compete – we cannot afford to have people losing their jobs. Government can also help foster innovation through partnerships and funding incubators that leverage the combined strength of government and private sector resources.
JS: I am happy to see the Zero Emissions bill and think it is very realistic. I will look to co-sponsor the bill. We need to look to see that school busses are addressed.
SB: I support zero emission truck standards. I studied a lot of tax law in law school and in my post-graduate program. Tax laws have the power to both reinforce and discourage behaviors; these laws are a reflection of our values as a society. For example, in the 1990s, we had certain business deductions for heavy vehicles and, as a result, many people went out and bought enormous SUVs. It that case, we created and reinforced negative behaviors with the tax code. Now, it is time for us to look to using the tax code to encourage and reinforce environmentally friendly behaviors. We have been doing this for many years with recycling deposits on aluminum and plastic beverage containers. Similarly, fees now being charged for single-use bags in grocery stores help to encourage environmentally-friendly behaviors. In the same vein, using taxation and other regulatory tools to curb pollution from trucks and other heavy-duty vehicles is an excellent idea.
3. Danskammer Power Plant What do you think of the letter to Gov. Cuomo signed by over 150 regional elected officials which asked to stop Damskammer, “...A dangerous fracked gas power plant on the Hudson River.” in Newburgh? Please be specific about your views about the proposed plant renovation.
JM: I signed on to this letter. Facilities like Danskammer and CPV are entirely at odds with the goals of the CLCPA, and damage our health, quality of life, and environment. Danskammer would have an expected operating lifespan of at least 50 years -- long past our target date to transition to entirely renewable energy sources. It makes no sense to bring new gas-fired power plants online when there are newer, better technologies available.
MM: One of the greatest aspects of our democratic system of government is that the more local the representation becomes, the more in tune it is with the desires of the people. It is interesting to note that many of the 150 individuals who signed the letter to Governor Cuomo opposing the new Danskammer power plant are either no longer serving in government or are elected or appointed in areas not near by the Danskammer Power Plant. On the opposing side are a large number of public officials who support the project and live near the Danskammer Power Plant. The project is now being reviewed under the state’s Article 10 siting procedure. Whether it will be permitted is solely under the purview of the New York State Public Service Commission, however that process does allow for robust public input. I support a full review of the proposal by the PSC and as much local public input as possible. New York’s ambitious goal to transition to renewables and non- fossil fuels is laudable but is admittedly an effort that will take decades to achieve. It is difficult to predict the energy needs of consumers, both residential and business, five years from now, much less twenty. It is crucial that our grid has the power needed to support our residents, businesses and farmers. Whether this power is sourced from Danskammer or alternatives will ultimately be decided by the state; and the local officials most impacted by the facility should have the loudest voice in the conversation.
JS: Right now, we do not have a complete application to consider because the state's power plant siting board has determined Danskammer’s proposal does not currently meet the state's climate change requirements. I am reserving judgment until the proposal is accepted.
SB: I live in Cornwall and supported our town's resolution earlier this year opposing the Danskammer Power Plant. Opposing this power plant is consistent with my support of the CLCPA. While Danskammer is outside of the 99th Assembly District, we have our own power plant with in the district: CPV which is located in Wawayanda. This power plant was built in part as a result of a corrupt system in which politicians at the local and state level let down the residents in this community. When a town board meeting was held in Wawayanda and local residents, including my parents, went to object to the building of this plant, they were unable to even enter their own town hall because there were so many non-residents organized and brought in to show support for the plant. New legislation (S8809A) was sponsored by Senator Jen Metzger and passed by the NYS Senate this summer which could directly impact the continued operations of CPV by requiring a heightened review of new permits for power plants to ensure consistency with state public interest standards. My opponent, the assemblyman for Wawayanda, is declining to even bring this legislation to the Assembly floor for a vote. I do not want to see a similar mess ensue with respect to Danskammer. It is not too late to halt the construction of this plant. I would prefer to see the site used for solar power battery storage, which is a proposal put forth by Scenic Hudson and which would be a use consistent with the CLCPA.
4. In general, what are your views on New York State actions to reduce climate change and increase climate justice?
JM: I have been working on climate issues for literally decades, both within and outside of government, at many different levels. I believe that climate change is a crisis that requires immediate action, but also creates a tremendous opportunity for us here in New York. My previous responses list many of the specific actions I have taken, so I’d like to close by discussing the opportunities. In our region, we can be a leader in fast-growing clean energy industries, and create thousands of good local jobs. Unlike fossil fuel infrastructure, renewable energy can be smaller-scale and distributed, providing more energy and more economic benefit to more people across a wider area. Improving energy efficiency so that we use less of it is also a big part of the solution, and will save businesses and households money--and we’ve hardly scratched the surface in making improvements in this area. Big, expensive, dirty power plants create very few jobs relative to their capital costs. Renewable energy and efficiency improvement work creates many more good jobs with far less capital investment. Importantly, this work also creates many different kinds of jobs, in trades, technical, service, and other sectors. New York has made a significant commitment to clean energy, and it's important that our region is prepared to benefit.
MM: There is much we can do on an individual level to help reduce the human impact on climate change. In my personal life, I have worked to reduce emissions on both my farm and in my previous ownership of Quality Bus Service where we were pioneers in the use of alternative fuel vehicles within our fleet. Unfortunately, many people view environmental stewardship and economic development as being at odds with one another. I believe the exact opposite, they can and MUST work in concert. We must incorporate wise use of our lands and best practices within the agricultural industry. We must support the development of affordable alternative fuel vehicles and incentivize their acquisition and deployment sooner rather than later. It is by doing many little things that we will achieve great results that are enjoyed by and benefit everyone.
JS: We made a major step with CLCPA which puts us on the road to a carbon-free society. The key to success is implementation. For example, we may need a broader vehicle emissions bill. We have the road map. We just need to color it in. Climate justice should be addressed by the CLCPA, which earmarks money for disadvantaged communities affected by pollution. Newburgh and other local communities stand to gain from that funding.
SB: With respect to climate change and climate justice, it is very important that we pay attention to who is most affected by large projects and give them a seat at the table in deciding whether to proceed with such projects. It is perverse that communities which suffer the most impact from these projects often do not get either a political voice or any financial “reward” in the form of property tax revenue. This is true with respect to the CPV power plant, which is located in Wawayanda but which is in close proximity to the Middletown School District. It is also trust with respect to Danskammer, which is in close proximity to the city of Newburgh but which is located in the Marlboro School District. While municipalities have borders, their environmental actions and policies spill over into neighboring municipalities. Going forward, we must take the long view with respect to environmental policy and with respect to how we best support one another. In short, we must strive to be good neighbors.