Mount Kisco, NY – Last week, New York State Senator Pete Harckham convened an Environmental Protection Roundtable at the Mount Kisco Public Library. As chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, Harckham gathered a group of advocates and attorneys to discuss safeguarding natural resources and legislative priorities for the upcoming Senate session.
The roundtable focused on the implications of the U.S. Supreme Court’s June 2024 decision overturning the Chevron doctrine, which could lead to challenges in environmental protections. The discussion also highlighted New York’s ongoing efforts to meet the ambitious goals set forth in the Climate Leadership & Community Protection Act (CLCPA), while addressing the protection of drinking water sources and solid waste management.
The roundtable included notable participants such as:
- Kate Donovan, Senior Attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
- Todd D. Ommen, Managing Attorney for the Pace Environmental Litigation Clinic
- Judith Enck, Founder and President of Beyond Plastics
- Robert Hayes, Senior Director of Clean Water at Environmental Advocates NY
- Matthew Salton, Federal Policy Manager at the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV)
The conversation emphasized the need for state action in response to federal rollbacks, particularly in the areas of clean air and water regulations. Harckham noted the value of these discussions, saying, “I am pleased that participants were willing to contribute their time and expertise at this event, and look forward to utilizing the information in the upcoming legislative session.”
The event reinforced New York’s commitment to strong environmental protections and the importance of proactive state regulations to counter potential federal challenges.