CITIZEN POWER ALLIANCE

On the eve of this year’s Earth Day commemoration, New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Astrid Glynn today announced a series of environmental initiatives, including a charge to the newly created Climate Change/Energy Efficiency Team to develop transportation policy strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions produced by the department and the state’s transportation sector.

“Our environment is influenced by the transportation choices we make,” Commissioner Glynn said. “The transportation system we envision will protect and enhance the environment, while reducing our carbon footprint, conserving natural resources and improving the economy and quality of life for all New Yorkers.”

Commissioner Glynn, who is scheduled to address Albany-area employees about the department’s environmental initiatives tomorrow, also announced expansion of the department’s use of “living snow fences” to control blowing and drifting snow along highways, the posting of information about trees on the department Web site, continuation of the department’s Clean Air New York initiative and the development of informational posters about department research programs that benefit the environmental.

“By making environmental protection a consideration in everything we do, the New York State Department of Transportation is striving to help its employees and all of our transportation partners become better stewards of the environment,” Commissioner Glynn said.

The Climate Change/Energy Efficiency Team was initiated in September 2007 to establish new policies that will lead to a reduction in the air pollutants responsible for global warming. Five work groups have been established to make recommendations for action. In the process, the department has committed to:

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