No images? Click here ESFPA E-NewsVolume 3 - Issue 22June 29, 2022 ESFPA Submits Scoping Plan Comments and Wood Burning StudyOn June 29, ESFPA submitted their comments on the draft Scoping Plan. The comments help frame their position on the plan. Along with these comments, ESFPA submitted a PowerPoint presentation which summarizes research regarding “Health Benefits resulting from reductions of wood combustion and PM2.5 emissions in New York State”. The analysis of this study showed greater heath benefits than those in the draft Scoping Plan Study. National Fuel PowerPointNational Fuel Gas Distribution Corporation recently did a presentation on where they're heading in regard to both natural and renewable gas. They made comments on the draft Scoping Plan which highlighted their thoughts on how to achieve a low-carbon future for New York. Climate Smart ForestryOn June 28, ESFPA was invited to attend an in-person workshop for Forest Management entities to address the new SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) 2022 Indicator on Climate Smart Forestry in Concord, New Hampshire. Representing New York were SIC Chair Nick Brunette, SIC member and ESFPA Board member Sean Ross and Executive Director John Bartow. SFI is committed to continuously improving responsible forest management, and the SFI Forest Management Standard promotes sustainable forestry practices based on 13 Principles, 17 Objectives, 41 Performance Measures and 141 Indicators. As part of the 2022 Standards Revisions SFI include new standards on Climate Smart Forestry. This is a “standard in progress” and the purpose of this regional meeting was to develop specific guidance on how forest land managers can comply with the new climate standards. You can find a draft of the Climate Smart Forestry Playbook here: Forests define the character, culture, and economy of this large region but face an uncertain future as the climate continues to change. 32 min video on Climate Change Impacts for New England Forests: As ecosystems continue to respond to a changing climate, individuals and organizations tasked with managing these ecosystems will benefit from re-examining their priorities, objectives, and tactics. Tools and resources have been developed to help incorporate climate change considerations into existing management frameworks. There is no single answer on how to best adapt to climate change, and adaptation responses will vary by location based upon the magnitude of climate impacts, the inherent resilience of ecosystems, and the values and resources of local communities. The Climate Change Response Framework has created resources to help land managers anticipate climate change impacts and identify adaptation actions. NIACS Storymap on Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation for New England and Northern New York Forests: Adaptation demonstration projects have also been done to show how managers have integrated climate considerations into land management planning and activities: Wrongful Death LetterESFPA has joined the list of businesses who have signed the Wrongful Death letter; a letter to Governor Hochul urging her to veto the new bill that would result in negative impacts in wrongful death lawsuits. The letter is as follows: Dear Governor Hochul: On behalf of New York’s business community, we write to express our serious concern with S.74/ A.6770, which creates a new class of damages awardable in wrongful death lawsuits. This bill would have a disastrous impact on businesses in the state, endangering our economic recovery in these uncertain times. This bill would radically expand the kinds of damages recoverable in wrongful death actions, driving up liability insurance premiums for public and private entities across the state. According to an actuarial analysis by Milliman, Inc., the bill would increase medical professional liability costs by nearly 40%. Automobile liability and general liability insurance would increase by as much as $2.2 billion. The result would be a 12.6% increase in annual premium across the board for residents and businesses.1 Liability insurance premiums are already higher in New York than almost anywhere else in the country. This legislation would make it harder to attract new companies and discourage local entrepreneurs from pursuing their goals and remaining in New York. For businesses already operating in the state, increased liability insurance costs will lead to price increases, pay cuts, and even layoffs – ultimately devastating already-struggling communities. As we seek to recover from the far-reaching impacts of the pandemic, we must pursue policies that help, rather than harm, the state’s business community. New York cannot afford to adopt new laws that drain our public coffers, discourage entrepreneurship and stifle economic activity. Last year, you vetoed a bill citing “significant negative impact on defendants in litigation including hospitals, State government and local governments, all of which are already under a great amount of strain due to COVID-19.”2 For the well-being of the economy and communities across the state, we implore you to veto this bill, too. Sincerely, Associated Builders and Contractors Empire State Log-A-Load for Kids Fund Drive Begins at BoonvilleFor 25 years, New York State Log-A-Load for Kids has participated in a nationwide program to support Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and the NYS Committee (i.e. the Mowrey Family) is once again reaching out to the forestry community for support. One way to participate is at the 2022 NYS Woodsmen’s Field Days. There will be many events going on, including fund drives and raffles. The Committee is looking for donations of goods, services, or loads of firewood to be raffled off at the Woodsmen’s Field Days as well as time at any of the booths. Any and all items donated are greatly appreciated and help raise thousands of dollars for children in need. Promotional items with company logos are popular and make excellent game prizes. Monetary donations will be used either for the purchase of supplies or will go directly to your local CMN Hospital. In celebration of New York Log-A-Load for Kids’ 25th anniversary, we are also asking our donors to please consider an additional 25% contribution. We’d like to make this a big year! Every donation makes a difference. If you are interested in donating or volunteering, please contact Gabriella Ferrera at gabriella@esfpa.org or Eileen Mowrey at emowrey12@gmail.com . |