Policy
PFAS Testimony Delivered to NYS Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation
November 21, 2024
Testimony given to the NYS Assembly Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation by Professor Alistair Hayden (Dept. of Public and Ecosystem Health, Cornell University) written in collaboration with WRI's Rassil Sayess and Brian Rahm. Full hearing can be found here.
Comments on Draft Freshwater Wetlands Regulations 6 NYCRR Part 664
September 18, 2024
April 26, 2024
April 26, 2024
April 19, 2024
February 19, 2024
Comments on Draft 2024 Bridge and Culvert Guidance
February 19, 2024
New York City Testimony of the New York State Water Resources Institute
February 23, 2021
Written Testimony of the New York State Water Resources Institute Before the New York City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings and the New York City Council Committee on Resiliency and Waterfronts Regarding Intro 566 and Intro 962.
Update on the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) (February 2020)
July 17, 2020
Alyssa Marcy, Cornell University Institute for Public Affairs Graduate Student. The memo explores what's new with WIFIA and highlights changes of interest to stakeholders in New York State. Additionally, see here for a case study regarding how the Indiana Finance Authority used WIFIA to enhance CWSRF capacity.
Policy Archive
2017
Waters of the United States (WOTUS): a comment on the science behind the rule
August 2, 2017
Here we comment on and support the science review that accompanied the 2015 WOTUS rule. While this issue has created controversy and confusion, much of what we know about the connectivity of streams and wetlands to downstream waters is well founded in scientific theory and observation. Examples of such connectivity and its impact on our communities here in New York can be readily found. As a neutral broker of information with respect to water resource science and management, the NY Water Resources Institute seeks to inform elected officials and decision makers on issues of state and national importance. This comment is not a policy statement. Rather, it is an invitation to discuss a complex issue with a baseline of common scientific understanding.
Comments on the NYS DEC's proposed SEQR updates
May 19, 2017
Knighton, J & C Morris, pertaining to solar array installation, submitted to the NYSDEC.
2016
November 10, 2016
Watkins, L, BG Rahm, and MT Walter, submitted here to the International Joint Commission.
2015
Desalination article cited by Rockland County Legislature Chair
July 6, 2015
NYSWRI article "Desalination in northeastern U.S.: Lessons from four case studies" is cited by Rockland County Legislature Chairman Alden Wolfe in a letter to the New York State Public Service Commission.
2013
Testimony on "Lessons Learned: EPA's Investigations of Hydraulic Fracturing." US House of Representatives
July 24, 2013
Rahm, B.G. 2013. Testified on "Lessons Learned: EPA's Investigations of Hydraulic Fracturing." US House of Representatives Subcommittee on Environment and Subcommittee on Energy Joint Hearing. Washington, D.C.
July 16, 2013
NYSWRI article "Desalination in northeastern U.S.: Lessons from four case studies" is referenced by NY Assembly woman Ellen Jaffee and Rockland County Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell in a joint letter to the New York State Public Service Commission.
Provided manuscript and information in support of S. 601 Water Resources Development Act
April 1, 2013
Provided manuscript and information in support of S. 601 Water Resources Development Act of 2013 on request to the office of U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (NY).
2012
Ellen Jaffee cites NYSWRI article in a letter to the New York State Public Service Commission.
August 5, 2012
NY Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee cites NYSWRI article "Desalination in northeastern U.S.: Lessons from four case studies" in a letter to the New York State Public Service Commission.
NYSWRI report is referenced by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY)
February 29, 2012
NYSWRI report "A perspective on the USEPA study of Pavillion, Wyoming - Relevance and lessons for NY" is referenced by U.S. Rep. Maurice Hinchey (NY) during the USHR16 Appropriations Committee meeting.
2011
Testimony on "Waste Water and Cuttings as they Pertain to Hydraulic Fracturing."
December 12, 2011
Rahm, B.G. 2011. Testified on "Waste Water and Cuttings as they Pertain to Hydraulic Fracturing." New York State Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Conservation. Canandaigua, NY. Video Link
Comments to "Revised Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement."
November 1, 2011
Rahm, B.G.; Riha, S.J. 2011. Submitted comments to "Revised Draft Supplemental Generic Environmental Impact Statement." New York State Department of Environmental Conservation.
Comments to "Draft Natural Gas Development Regulations."
March 16, 2011
Rahm, B.G.; Riha, S.J. 2011. Submitted comments to "Draft Natural Gas Development Regulations." Delaware River Basin Commission.
Testimony on on "Hearing on the Continued Examination of Hydraulic Fracturing Including the NYSDEC and DRBC Processes."
March 1, 2011
Rahm, B.G. 2011. Testified on "Hearing on the Continued Examination of Hydraulic Fracturing Including the NYSDEC and DRBC Processes." New York City Council Committee on Environmental Protection. New York, NY.