PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Eric Goldstein, Attorney at Natural Resources Defense Council, on NYC Water Supply and Related Legislation
2:44:42
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133 sec
Eric Goldstein from the Natural Resources Defense Council testified in support of Intros 816, 900, and the goals of Intro 1067-A. He emphasized the importance of NYC's water supply as a crucial asset and the success of the watershed protection program. Goldstein urged continued investment in protecting the unfiltered water supply to avoid potential rate increases.
- Highlighted the need for ongoing resources and protective measures for the water supply
- Criticized the city's plan to charge rental payments to the Water Board as irrational and regressive
- Stressed the importance of fully funding the DEP's capital program and water infrastructure investments
Eric Goldstein
2:44:42
I'm pal Eric.
2:44:43
Good afternoon, chairman Genera.
2:44:45
Thank you.
2:44:46
Eric Goldstein from the Natural Resources Defense Council, which, as you know, has worked intensively on watershed issues for 35 years.
2:44:53
We appreciate your leadership over that period.
2:44:56
We welcome the opportunity to testify today in support of intro 8 16900 and support at least the goals and objectives of intro 1067.
2:45:07
City's water supply is its single most important capital asset.
2:45:12
Since the 19 nineties, the city has advanced an innovative program to protect this unfiltered water supply via comprehensive watershed protection and pollution prevention program Now more than 30 years later, it's safe to conclude that this experiment has been a major success.
2:45:29
But the job of safeguarding this unfiltered water supply is a continuing one, and the need for ongoing investments of resources and protective measures remains as urgent as ever.
2:45:40
We detail some of these in our written statement, but I'll simply say that safeguarding the system is not only necessary from a public health perspective, but it's essential to protect New York City residents from an enormous boost in water rates.
2:45:54
And you heard today the testimony from the commissioner as to what filtration could cost down the line.
2:46:01
While filtration facilities may ultimately be needed at some future decade, investments made today in protecting the upstate water quality now will benefit this system for generations.
2:46:13
And speaking of economics, if there's one thing the council can do in the coming year to protect the city water ratepayers in addition to fully funding the capital program for the Department of Environmental Protection.
2:46:25
It's to ensure that necessary funding is made available for these water and sewer infrastructure investments, and it would be to press the administration to change course and abandon its plans to charge the city for rental payments.
2:46:39
This is an irrational, regressive, anachronistic loophole that allows the mayor to charge water ratepayers for non water related city expenditures.
2:46:49
I'd be happy to talk about this further as well as the legislation on today's agenda down the line.
