Pollution Prevention Institute

CEC and ATFF were instrumental in the creation of a statewide Pollution Prevention Institute (PPI) in 2007. The Institute will help businesses reduce their use of toxic and radioactive chemicals by providing technical assistance, research and development and education on pollution prevention and green chemistry practices.

In 2007, Governor Eliot Spitzer and the NYS Legislature passed legislation creating the PPI with $2 million in funding.  In 2008, Governor David Paterson and the Legislature approved $3 million for the Institute (including reappropriating unspent funds from 2007). The Institute is based on the successful Toxics Use Reduction Institute in Massachusetts which helped industry reduce their hazardous waste generation by 65% and use of chemicals by 42%, and provided $14 million in cost savings for the state.  CEC researched various state programs and drafted an Executive Order and legislation on PPI, and worked closely with state policymakers to ensure its passage.

In the spring of 2008, the state announced the PPI and its programs will be housed at Rochester Institute of Technology, with complimentary green chemistry programs at the University of Buffalo, Rensselaer Technology Institute and Clarkson University.  In addition, ten Regional Technical Assistance Centers will provide assistance to businesses. 

Governor's News Release on PPI

Recently, CEC Executive Director Barbara Warren was appointed to the statewide PPI Advisory Committee.  For more information, contact CEC Executive Director Barbara Warren at 518-462-5527 X13 or warren@msm.com