WPCNR AMY'S ALBANY. From Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. March 9, 2005:  Assemblywoman Amy Paulin announced Monday that the Assembly has passed her legislation (A.421) to amend State environmental conservation law to ensure that all future environmental impact studies take into consideration the effect a proposed project or action will have on children.

“The litigation between the Town of Eastchester and United Water brought to my attention the lack of consideration given to the impact on children in the State-mandated environmental review process.  Yet, we know that children are much more vulnerable than are adults to factors in the environment beyond their control. My bill will close this gap and will ensure that in the future, the health and safety of children is protected,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin.

Paulin’s legislation requires the Department of Environmental Conservation to periodically, but not less than annually, update any forms or documentation that are used to determine whether a proposed project or action would have a significant effect on the environment.  In these updates, the Department of Environmental Conservation will be required to take into consideration changes in science, emerging issues in environmental protection, and the impact on sensitive populations such as children.  Additionally, it must promote an awareness that environmental factors affect sensitive populations differently than they do the general public.