New York State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer, ranking minority member of the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation, emphasized to the members of the conference the importance of the role played by the scientific community in environmental policy decisions. Senator Oppenheimer stressed how scientific input into legislation and regulatory action is necessary to achieve real results. Existing New York State law on wetlands, water quality, planning, zoning, air quality, forestry, and many other issues affects the habitat of a variety of species. Without meaningful involvement of experts in species conservation, government policies that could protect habitats will be ineffective.
The Senator urged the conference attendees to take an assertive approach in participating in policy decisions—to lobby, work with elected officials and staff of government agencies, and join scientific associations. She reiterated the importance of monitoring government policies as they evolve, and working with broad-based citizen environmental organizations to achieve common goals.
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Integrated Management and Public Policy