ONEONTA – State Senator James L. Seward (R/C/I–Oneonta) is again calling on the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) to conduct a full, open review of proposed outdoor wood boiler (OWB) regulations.

“Energy costs are rising on a daily basis and upstate homeowners and farmers struggling to make ends meet are constantly searching for economical and environmentally sound methods to keep expenses in check,” said Senator Seward. “I appreciate the Department of Environmental Conservation’s efforts in revising outdoor wood boiler regulations but local concerns have not been adequately addressed.”

Senator Seward sent a letter to the DEC in May detailing specific objections to proposed regulations governing the manufacture, sale and use of outdoor wood boilers (OWB). Seward says many of those concerns have not been fully considered, and further, the process has been closed to elected officials and the general public.