Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Residents petition for "rights of nature" protections for Great Lakes; county hears algal bloom and wastewater concerns
Summary
A petitioner urged the county to support a New York Assembly bill recognizing rights for the Great Lakes and state waters; residents and county staff discussed recent algal blooms and wastewater treatment discharges, and the county public health representative outlined regulatory responsibilities.
Anthony Del Plato, a Seneca Falls resident and local chef, told the Board of Supervisors he submitted a petition asking the county to support a legislative effort to recognize rights for waters and ecosystems, referencing an Assembly bill introduced by Assemblyman Patrick Burke on March 19, 2025.
Del Plato urged lawmakers to adopt a "rights of nature" framework that would, he said, give legal recognition and protection to watersheds and ecosystems. He cited peer-reviewed research and broader concerns about chemicals such as glyphosate and PFAS in food and water; those scientific claims were presented by Del…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
