N.Y. Environmental Conservation Law § 8-0103: Legislative findings and declaration

§ 8-0103. Legislative findings and declaration.

The legislature finds and declares that:

1. The maintenance of a quality environment for the people of this

state that at all times is healthful and pleasing to the senses and

intellect of man now and in the future is a matter of statewide concern.

2. Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the

preservation and enhancement of the quality of the environment.

3. There is a need to understand the relationship between the

maintenance of high-quality ecological systems and the general welfare

of the people of the state, including their enjoyment of the natural

resources of the state.

4. Enhancement of human and community resources depends on a quality

physical environment.

5. The capacity of the environment is limited, and it is the intent of

the legislature that the government of the state take immediate steps to

identify any critical thresholds for the health and safety of the people

of the state and take all coordinated actions necessary to prevent such

thresholds from being reached.

6. It is the intent of the legislature that to the fullest extent

possible the policies, statutes, regulations, and ordinances of the

state and its political subdivisions should be interpreted and

administered in accordance with the policies set forth in this article.

However, the provisions of this article do not change the jurisdiction

between or among state agencies and public corporations.

7. It is the intent of the legislature that the protection and

enhancement of the environment, human and community resources shall be

given appropriate weight with social and economic considerations in

public policy. Social, economic, and environmental factors shall be

considered together in reaching decisions on proposed activities.

8. It is the intent of the legislature that all agencies conduct their

affairs with an awareness that they are stewards of the air, water,

land, and living resources, and that they have an obligation to protect

the environment for the use and enjoyment of this and all future

generations.

9. It is the intent of the legislature that all agencies which

regulate activities of individuals, corporations, and public agencies

which are found to affect the quality of the environment shall regulate

such activities so that due consideration is given to preventing

environmental damage.