Dear Colleagues,
The recent announcement from UUP Central on an Environmental Legislative Package is incredibly important not only to the state of New York, but for Western New York as well.
With more than 2 million students and staff, and oversight of 40% of the buildings in the state, SUNY is a logical choice to be a leader in environmental policies and actions in New York. UUP is eager to help SUNY become that environmental leader, starting with a package of five bills that would encourage and help fund sustainable actions systemwide.
“UUP is commencing the hard work of turning SUNY into an institution that will be a driving force in contributing to a greener future for New York,” UUP President Fred Kowal said in a May 5 press conference in the Legislative Office Building in Albany, as he announced the legislative package. “With 64 campuses around the state, and as the holder of 40% of New York’s buildings, everything that SUNY does is connected to New York’s future.”
The bills that UUP announced at the press conference would:
- Require SUNY to develop a plan, systemwide and for each campus, for zero waste by 2030, with Sen. Brad Hoylman as the lead sponsor;
- Create a “green revolving fund” to finance sustainability projects on campuses (bill is under development);
- Keep surplus SUNY property out of landfills and instead help find a new home for surplus property, either on a SUNY campus or through a charitable donation, with Fahy as the lead sponsor;
- Require SUNY to hire a systemwide sustainability director, with Jackson as the lead sponsor; and
- Establish three areas of sustainability work on SUNY campuses, including waste management; energy management; and education and outreach, with Kelles as the lead sponsor.
The Buffalo Center Chapter looks forward to you, our members, in support in this legislation.
Ken Kern
Chapter President
UUP Buffalo Center