November 13, 2019
After due consideration I would like to continue on the ExCom as an at-large delegate. I honestly don’t have the time to write a statement, see number 10 especially, but somehow I am making it; I figure reporting on what I am working on at this time, and have worked on, might help people know who/what/where I am regarding NYS and the environment.
1. I send out email blast to garner comments, for example when we needed to comment earlier this year to the USACE regarding the Casella-owned Hakes C&D landfill 404 permit application re accepting PA radioactive frack waste.
2. I attended, spoke, and filed written comments on The Hakes landfill DEC hearings regarding their application for expansion this summer.
3. Filed commentary on Williams’ proposed natural gas pipeline on NYC shores, among many.
4. I am editing the minutes for the last in-person ExCom meeting; I would also like to prove myself better at being Secretary next year.
5. Was instrumental in organizing the successful battle against an Ash Dump in my county. As a result of that I worked on helping organize a new group, Keep It Greene, in my county to improve advocacy on environmental issues. I would like it to pursue collaborations with Sierra Club on many local and Hudson Valley regional efforts. We are currently working to protect wetlands
from dumping and supporting a county law against polystyrene.
6. I hope to re-invigorate the Beyond Fossil Fuel Oil and Gas Committee while working with the Legislative committees and the reformed Hudson River committees.
7. Just today attended a PSC meeting and am working with Renewable Heat Now people.
8. Helped create signs for a protest at Cricket Valley for this Saturday.
10. Just discovered in the last week that where I live, Cairo, NY, has been contaminated by PFOA in our water. While nowhere near the levels of Hoosick Falls and elsewhere, the level of 13.3 is above the DEC alert level of 10ppt. The EPA's level is 70ppt, which needs to be changed drastically. I have been researching filtering for safety and am strategizing how to get the word out to the 700 plus people in my water district who don't know about this, etc, etc, etc, as I believe my double filtering takes me below the level of concern but need to be sure others are safe too.
Just a sampling! There’s more. “If you need something done, ask the busiest.” Thanks so much, I’d love to serve further, please vote for me.
Email Mary at msfinn123@yahoo.com with any questions.