On Tuesday, Aug. 30, the New York State Senate convened for the first of several water quality hearings across the state. During the hearing chaired by Sen. Kathy Marchione, both the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Department of Health commissioners provided testimony and answered questions. The EPA, who failed to appear at the hearing, was criticized by both those providing testimony and the senators presiding over the hearing. The next hearing is scheduled for Sept. 7 in Albany. More information can be found here.