Scenic Hudson Statement on Gov. Paterson's 2010 State of the State Address

HUDSON VALLEY -- "Governor Paterson deserves credit for promoting clean energy and for a focus on good government and ethics reform, but his address suggests that he is missing powerful opportunities to create jobs through restoring the environment and land protection. These investments are necessary for a truly green New York, which is key to the state's economy and overall health," said Andy Bicking, director of Public Policy for Scenic Hudson.

"Clearly the state faces significant fiscal challenges, but it's critical that our state continue investing in the natural environment, and we didn't hear those words in the speech today. Investing in land—our green infrastructure—helps keep family farms in business, and supplies New York City and the rest of our state with healthy food. Protecting land also safeguards clean drinking water and is critical to our tourism economy, which in the Hudson Valley alone generates $4.7 billion in spending every year and is responsible for 80,000 jobs. Money put to land and parks pays off. Walkway Over the Hudson in Poughkeepsie has attracted more than 400,000 visitors—and their wallets—in its first three months. Further, research indicates that parks and other beautiful, natural areas are leading ingredients in retaining businesses and attracting new ones. New York must maintain a strong Environmental Protection Fund because it's the funding source for investing in land, revitalizing downtowns, healthy air and water and more," added Mr. Bicking.

"We're looking for the governor to articulate a plan for the health, economic recovery and environmental restoration of the state and Hudson Valley. We didn't hear about a stable Environmental Protection Fund or about the Hudson River Estuary Program, which has a proven track record in safeguarding one of the state's leading assets—the Hudson River. We also need his support for the Greenway, which helps facilitate a green and prosperous Hudson Valley, a rising population and economic center for the state," added Mr. Bicking. "We are hopeful that his administration will understand these opportunities and work with the state's environmental community in the context of the executive proposed budget to craft a responsible and accountable plan."

Scenic Hudson works to protect and restore the Hudson River and its majestic landscape as an irreplaceable national treasure and a vital resource for residents and visitors. A crusader for the valley since 1963, we are credited with saving fabled Storm King Mountain from a destructive industrial project and launching the modern grass-roots environmental movement. Today with more than 25,000 ardent supporters, we are the largest environmental group focused on the Hudson River Valley. Our team of experts combines land acquisition, support for agriculture, citizen-based advocacy and sophisticated planning tools to create environmentally and economically healthy communities, open up riverfronts to the public and preserve the valley's inspiring beauty and natural resources.

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