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Report: DEC is 'looking less, finding less'

Sep 13, 2013 6:52 am
Rick Karlin is reporting at Capitol Confidential Environmental Advocates of New York released a report Thurs., Sept. 12, charging that years of downsizing at the state Dept. of Environmental Conservation have led to fewer state inspections of potential polluters, including those who emit pollutants and waste products into the state’s air and water. The agency has been downsized by 860 jobs since 2007. The organization recommended Gov. Andrew Cuomo beef up the agency, spend some more money and hire more people. The study shows that over four years, inspections of those who hold water pollution permits were down 74 percent and air inspections fell 44 percent. EA’s interim director David Gahl said, “DEC is ultimately looking less and they are finding less. DEC needs more cops on the beat.” Read the full report at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.