Governor Signs Finger Lakes Community Preservation Act

June 3rd, 2019

Governor Cuomo signed into law the Finger Lakes Community Preservation Act (S.2270A/A.5029A), which prohibits the siting of a waste-to-energy facility in the Finger Lakes Watershed. Under the new law, waste-to-energy facilities will be prohibited from receiving a certificate of environmental compatibility and public need if the facility is: within the Oswego River/Finger Lakes Watershed; there is at least one landfill or other Department of Environmental Conservation permitted solid waste management facility operating or located within a 50-mile radius of the facility; and within 10 miles of a state-designated priority water body, pursuant to Environmental Conservation Law.

Senator Rachel May said:

“Protection of the Finger Lakes is a crucial issue for Central New York’s health and well-being. We rely on these lakes for drinking water, recreation, tourism, and a thriving winery industry. Thank you to the Governor for recognizing the importance of protecting this region from incinerator projects that put our people, environment, and economy in harm’s way.”

Assembly Member Michael Cusick said:

“Today’s bill signing is step forward for New York and the Finger Lakes region specifically. I want to thank Governor Cuomo for his leadership in blocking harmful projects from being built in environmentally sensitive regions.”