WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2005. From PowerforMayor. August 30, 2005: Dennis Power, Candidate for Mayor of White Plains has issued a statement on the city's failure to support environmental initiatives to control global warming:
“Global warming is affecting everyone and it must be dealt with at the local level as well as at the state, national and international levels. It is discouraging that the Mayor of White Plains was not one of the signers of a letter to the governors of New York and eight other Northeast states urging the adoption of a regional plan to regulate greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. Mayors and Supervisors of six Westchester municipalities and nearby neighbors in Connecticut, including Stamford, Bridgeport and New Haven, were part of a team of forty-two officials in the Northeast who are making it a policy priority to reduce global warming pollution.
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“As reported in The New York Times August 25, leaders of mostly small to medium-size cities released a general outline of the plan called the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. Coordinated by the environmental group, Clean Air-Cool Planet, the group emphasizes the benefits of reduced carbon pollution to local communities and fully supports the ongoing development of a cap-and-trade system for the power sector to lower carbon pollution across the Northeast.
“The White Plains administration must begin to think globally and act locally, especially when it comes to environmental issues. Being in the forefront with other regional leaders is important, but putting environmental planning into concrete action is critical. As Mayor, I will call for researching the very latest in clean-burning and alternative fuels and attempt to integrate their use into the city's vehicles and buildings. I know that we can require by ordinance the use of low sulfur fuels. Having a few hybrid vehicles is a good first step, but does not put us in the forefront of modern technology. We need to apply energy-saving approaches to more city vehicles, as well as to our buildings.
I would also encourage the use of solar photovoltaic cell arrays wherever possible. White Plains should be encouraging ‘green’ building design for new developments. I would also encourage pilot projects for the use of alternative biofuels, such as pelletized fuels, in compliance with the Governor’s request. This use of alternative fuels and energy sources would enable us to reduce our use of oil, reduce carbon emissions and enhance air quality in our region, thereby improving respiratory health and reducing health care costs. White Plains should show by example and be a regional model in reducing emissions.
“Smart environmental growth calls for the placement of air quality monitors in downtown areas to make sure we are in compliance with federal and state air quality standards. The one air quality monitoring station we have up by the water plant should be moved to the heart of downtown. We can then better understand the problem of air pollution, and effect policy change if needed.
“I would also like to see some small shuttle transportation around the city to alleviate the heavy traffic congestion and reduce carbon monoxide emissions. I would encourage, through economic rewards, car pooling for the large businesses and organizations in our city. This would also be of tremendous help to so many seniors around the city who have no way to travel when shopping for food and other necessities.
“White Plains needs to be in the forefront on important issues such as enhancing environmental quality and needs to cooperate with regional government partners in effecting positive change. We must act locally and think globally. When a group of forward-thinking officials takes a stance on improving the quality of life for millions of people in the Northeast, White Plains needs to stand with them.”
Dennis Power is the Democratic and Working Families Party candidate for Mayor and a former member of the White Plains Common Council. He is a 26-year resident of White Plains.
