Tagged: nypirg

NYPIRG has released a national report documenting the failures of a manufacturer-led thermostat recycling program across the country.

The report, Turning up the Heat II, contrasts the dismal performance of the industry’s voluntary collection program in New York and other states to those that have mandatory buy-back programs like Maine and Vermont.

New York ranks 37th in the nation in terms of per capita collection rates – down from 31st in the nation three years ago. 

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s proposed 2013-2014 budget includes several changes to the Bottle Bill. Various stakeholders have both praise and concern.

Laura Haight is one who testified Monday at a budget hearing in Albany about the proposed changes to the Bottle Bill. Haight is senior environmental associate for the New York Public Interest Research Group, or NYPIRG. She says there are 20 pages of proposed changes, one of which she applauds, and says would be a first for the state.

Guest host David Guistina is joined by Bill Mahoney, Legislative Operations and Research Coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group. They discuss incumbents’ success in the elections, the future of gerrymandering, and whether the Legislature should become full-time.

The latest round of financial disclosure forms from members of the New York State Legislature will be the last, before a new law begins that aims to open up even further the information the public and the press can view about the outside business dealings of state lawmakers.

Host Alan Chartock is joined by Bill Mahoney, Legislative Operations and Research Coordinator for the New York Public Interest Research Group. They discuss the Committee To Save New York, voter registration efforts, and the Joint Committee on Public Ethics.