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NY DEC Seeks Proposals to Reduce Toxics and Pollution

September 1, 2007

New York State is seeking proposals to help establish a new pollution prevention institute that will promote innovative and cost effective methods for reducing or eliminating the use of toxic substances in manufacturing and other processes, Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced today. DEC is encouraging public or private universities, non-profit institutions, or a consortium of such organizations to submit proposals to develop and implement this pioneering project, first initiated by Governor Eliot Spitzer as part of his 2007-08 Executive Budget.

When established, the institute will provide an unparalleled center for technology evaluation and development, as well as technology transfer, training, assistance and workforce development. The institute's objective is to help make businesses more competitive by enabling them to be more efficient.

"Pollution prevention goes beyond energy conservation and 'end of pipe' solutions," Commissioner Grannis said. "We must find ways of modifying manufacturing processes, finding acceptable product substitutions and changing the management and operation of facilities to reduce pollution, resource consumption and waste at the beginning, rather than the end of the process. And we must do this in a way that allows New York to remain competitive in the global marketplace."

The institute will foster partnerships among businesses, universities, state and local governments, health and environmental organizations to stimulate the research and development of cutting-edge environmental technologies that will focus on sustainability and toxic use reduction over the course of the product life cycle. The project will be supported by $2 million in a new Environmental Protection Fund category, with a Request for Proposals (RFP) recently developed and released by DEC.

Potential applicants are encouraged to consider submitting a proposal for this exciting new venture. Information on the RFP can be found at http://www.dec.ny.gov/37277.html on the DEC website, and has also been posted in the August 29, 2007 editions of the New York State Register and the New York State Environmental Notice Bulletin. Proposals are due by December 5, 2007. For further information or to request an RFP, please send the name, address, phone, and e-mail of the appropriate contact person for your proposal and write or e-mail to:

Pollution Prevention Institute - RFP Information
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
Division of Environmental Permits - Pollution Prevention Unit
Attn: Michelle Hinman
625 Broadway
Albany, NY 12233-1750
(518) 402-9168 (fax)
E-mail:depprmt@gw.dec.state.ny.us

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