Albany - Assemblyman Marc Molinaro of Tivoli has criticized the governor for his decision to dip into the state's Environmental Protection Fund in an effort to balance his 2008-09 Executive Budget.

"While we must acknowledge that previous governors have opened this can of worms, we cannot continue to take funds reserved for the EPF to pay off other parts of the state budget," said the Republican lawmaker. "By doing so year after year we are depleting this necessary funding that should be used to preserve open space, implement essential recycling programs and clean up contamination from our watersheds."

Molinaro said the governor has amended his proposed $125 billion budget by redirecting EPF monies into the general fund account used to pay for most state-run programs. The new proposal takes $25 million in addition to the $100 million already proposed to transfer out of the EPF, with no plans for repayment. The state already has
$400 million outstanding "I owe you" loans from the EPF.

"Protecting our environment for future generations is a critical issue that we as lawmakers must continue to tackle. In order to do so successfully, we need the resources to act and the EPF is just the tool we need. We cannot dip into this pot of funds and expect our state spending woes to be solved. Eventually there will be nothing
left in the EPF, which will be a sad day for those of us who want to protect our environment and enhance our quality of life," said Molinaro.  ¶