Establishes the New York state environmental technology institute

Title of bill

An act to amend the public authorities law, in relation to establishing the New York state environmental technology institute within the science and technology foundation

Purpose or general idea of bill

To establish the New York State Environmental Technology Institute (NYSETI) to encourage the formation of partnerships between business, government, and universities in order to stimulate the research and development of cutting edge environmental technologies that will help to promote sustainable economic development and encourage job growth in these new "green" technologies.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1: Adds a new section 3102-f to the public authorities law, that:

* lists definitions for various terms in the act;

* enumerates the duties and responsibilities of the Institute;

* authorizes the institute to appoint staff, enter into contracts, and accept funds for the operation of NYSETI;

* delineates the requirements that universities must meet to be designed to take part in research and development projects initiated by the institute;

* requires the Institute to conduct peer review of all applications to join NYSETI's consortium and the work related to the transfer of technology.

* establishes an advisory committee to the institute with 13 members to advise on projects, priorities, procedures, and technical reviews and to assist in dissemination of research results and technical information.

Section 3 is the effective date for the act.

Justification

In these difficult economic times, there is a way to promote both a prosperous economy and a healthy environment throughout the State of New York. These two public policy goals are not necessarily incompatible.

Many businesses have come to recognize that by modernizing their manufacturing processes, they may be able to simultaneously reduce pollution emissions and reduce the amount of manufacturing raw material inputs used to manufacture finished goods, thereby helping to reduce production costs. This can increase a facility's profitability and competitiveness and thereby help to either spur job growth or minimize future job losses.

In addition, new technologies and production processes can be created and further developed here in New York. Encouraging such new emerging technologies in New York and those businesses that develop such new technologies can increase the need for hiring more scientists, researchers, and other professional personnel. Further, it can help to advance efforts to remediate and renew contaminated properties allowing them to be redeveloped, and thus, contributing new jobs to the economy.

Government and industry have come closer to achieving a common understanding, with industry recognizing the need and responsibility to protect the environment and government acknowledging the limitations of command and control regulations. Technological advances have demonstrated that both environmental and economic goals can be met without jeopardizing either objective.

The merging of economic growth and environmental responsibility has been termed "sustainability" or "green jobs". A strategy of sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the well being of future generations. By focusing strategically on technology development, businesses can translate environmental opportunities into substantial growth.

It is the intent of the legislation to foster partnerships between government, business, environmental organizations, and universities to promote sustainable economic development that will accomplish both the state's economic development and environmental goals.

Prior legislative history

2007-08: A.863 - Referred to Assembly Economic Development Committee.

Fiscal implications

To be determined.

Effective date

On the 180th day after it shall have become law.