dec budget testimony

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Testimony of Joe Martens

Acting Commissioner N

ew York State Department of Environmental Conservation

New York State LegislatureSenate Standing Committee on Finance

Assembly Standing Committee on Ways and Means Hearing:

The 2011-12 Executive Budget Recommendations for theDepartment of Environmental Conservation

February 8, 2011



Chairman DeFrancisco, Chairman Farrell, Senator Grisanti, Assemblyman Sweeney and

members of the legislative fiscal and environmental conservation committees, thank you

for this opportunity to discuss Governor Cuomo¶s Executive Budget as it pertains to the

Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) for the 2011-12 State fiscal year.

I am honored that Governor Cuomo has nominated me to lead the Department and I look

forward to working with each and every one of you to address New York¶s environmental

agenda.

As you heard from Governor Cuomo during his Executive Budget Presentation last week, State spending over the past ten years has grown at more than double the rate of inflation.

We can no longer spend beyond our means. We must spend less and spend smarter.

One way we will spend smarter is through the Environmental Protection fund (EPF). The

Governor has recognized the importance of the EPF as one of the State¶s great economic

development tools by including $134 million in his Executive Budget. As the Governor

committed to over the past months, all the funds appropriated in the EPF will be used for

purposes for which it was intended²the budget does not propose new categories, sweeps

or funding for state staff. This critical EPF funding will further our tourism goals by

providing stewardship funds for our public facilities such as campgrounds, boat launches

and trails and strengthening our zoos, aquariums, and parks, and will help keep farming

operations profitable by providing funding for farmland protection.

But DEC can play an even stronger role in the State¶s economic recovery by fully utilizing

our existing assets to promote economic development. DEC is responsible for ensuring

that New York is a destination for hunting, fishing and hiking by protecting and conserving

the State¶s natural resources. New York offers a wide array of outdoor recreational

opportunities which contribute to the economy. More than 2 million individuals in New

York have hunting and fishing licenses and over 4 million New Yorkers participate in

wildlife-related recreation. Additionally, over half a million out of state tourists come to

the state to recreate. Coupled with hikers, bikers, snowmobilers, wildlife watchers and



outdoor enthusiasts, more than $3.5 billion is spent annually on these recreational

activities. Visitors to DEC-managed properties, including open space and campgrounds in

the Adirondacks and Catskills, state forests and wildlife management areas, contribute to

the economies in those communities, buying bait and equipment, eating at local

restaurants, staying at inns, visiting shops and markets²spending money in upstate

communities reliant on tourism.

I will also work with our local government partners as well as other state agencies

including the Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) to ensure we are doing

everything we can to maximize revenue from tourism.

If confirmed as Commissioner, I will make it a priority to ensure that DEC is proactive inhelping businesses comply with the State¶s environmental regulations and that our

decisions are timely to provide greater certainty and opportunity for growing businesses.

Because of our permitting responsibilities, DEC plays a central role in virtually all major

economic development projects around the State. I intend to partner with Ken Adams,

Governor Cuomo¶s nominee for President and CEO of ESDC, to make sure that we are

working together to promote a strong economy and clean environment. Governor Cuomo

has made it clear that growing our economy is the key to the State¶s recovery. I intend to

make sure that DEC is responsive to business and that we work together to avoid

regulatory stalemate. A vibrant economy and a healthy environment are not incompatible;

in fact, they go hand in hand.

However, because our spending has been unsustainable, we must also spend less. The

Governor¶s Executive Budget does not rely on gimmicks and one-shot deals to eliminate

the deficit. Instead, it envisions transforming our agencies into a leaner and more efficient

State government. State agencies will lead by example by taking 10 percent cuts in their

budgets. DEC is committed to being a leader in meeting the Governor¶s call. Indeed, we

view this as a historic opportunity to examine our operations not only to find new



efficiencies but also to meet our regulatory obligations in a way that is comprehensive and

timely.

If confirmed, it will be my job to implement and manage this reduction in funding whilecontinuing to execute on the agency¶s core missions. While reimagining and redesigning

State government starts with this budget, it does not end there. DEC managers will reach

out to stakeholders to receive their input not only on the budget, but also on changes that

we should make to deliver services more efficiently. As we make changes at DEC, we will

listen to those individuals and entities who frequently deal with our agency.

The scope of this opportunity for us is defined by the breadth of our portfolio. DEC

manages nearly 5 million acres of state land, safeguards 70,000 miles of rivers and streamsand 4,000 lakes and ponds, inspects 4,000 solid, hazardous waste, pesticide and radiation

facilities, and issues 750,000 hunting and fishing licenses and 15,000 permits every year. To meet our 10 percent reduction in General Fund State Operations spending, we will

recalibrate. First we will examine reductions that have already been achieved to determine

whether they can continue into the next fiscal year. And then we will identify additional

measures that will help us continue to deliver services to New Yorkers with the resources

we have in hand. I am committed to reviewing all of the operations of the Department to

find opportunities for shared services with other agencies and to eliminate redundancies

wherever they exist. Savings from these efforts will help us in the upcoming fiscal year,

and they will help close out-year budget gaps as well.

We will focus on our core mission and on how we can better deliver services to New

Yorkers and the regulated community. Governor Cuomo is fully devoted to working

together to ensure a strong fiscal future for our State, and I am dedicated to putting DEC¶s

fiscal house in order to help him achieve this goal.

In closing, I will work side-by-side with the Department¶s outstanding employees to adapt

to the fiscal realities we all face, improve New York¶s business climate, and maintain the

environmental leadership that is the envy of the nation.



During this process, I have been encouraged by the positive response to the Governor¶s

budget from the environmental community, including The Nature Conservancy,

Environmental Advocates, New York League of Conservation Voters, Citizens Campaign

for the Environment, NYPIRG, and the Adirondack Mountain Club. With statements like,

³Governor¶s Budget: a Fair Deal for New York¶s Environment,´ I am confident that we

can work together to make necessary spending reductions and meet our obligations to the

environment.

By rethinking our approaches, protecting key resources like the EPF, and becoming more

efficient in delivering services, I¶m certain that DEC can become an even stronger, more

effective agency.

I look forward to working in partnership with each of you and all the members of the

legislature, members of the business community, the environmental community and New

Yorkers across the state to ensure that we meet our fiscal and environmental challenges

head on.

I am happy to answer any questions you might have.

dec budget testimony

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