Legislation authorizing the DEC to develop regulations to have boaters make sure their boat is clean, drained, and dry is heading to Governor Cuomo.
Late last week, legislation passed in both houses right at the close of this year’s session that will help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) across the state. The LGA, along with many other organizations working to protect NYS lakes, are extremely pleased with this critical step forward in protecting New York’s waterways.
“The passage of a statewide aquatic invasive species transport bill to address spread prevention is great news. We have been advocating for such a bill for a number of years now since 2011 when I testified in front of the Assembly’s Environmental Committee as to the extent of the problems and associated costs that AIS are causing for Lake George,” said Walt Lender, the LGA’s Executive Director.
On Friday June 20th the State Senate gave final legislative approval to legislation sponsored by Senator Tom O’Mara (R,C-Big Flats). The legislation (S.7851-B/A.9619-B) was approved the day before by the state Assembly, where it was sponsored by Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton (D/WF- 125th District) of Ithaca.
It will now be delivered to the governor to be signed into law. The legislation requires the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to develop rules and regulations for boaters to take reasonable precautions to prevent the spread of invasive species, such as removing all visible plants and animals from, or washing, draining and drying both motorized and non-motorized watercraft and related gear when entering and leaving a launch site.
“We look forward to working with the DEC to develop the regulations to carry through this legislation, just as we have with the other piece of recent legislation passed in 2012 that focuses on banning the sale of invasives statewide,” said Emily DeBolt, the LGA’s outreach coordinator. “Now, with these two important pieces of legislation, it’s all finally starting to fall into place and a comprehensive, state-wide program to address the sale and transport of invasives is getting underway. The more we can work to shut down the pathways that are moving these species around the state and prevent their spread, the better,” said Emily DeBolt, the LGA’s Outreach Coordinator.