On Wednesday, Gov. David Paterson signed brownfields reform legislation and a bill updating gas and oil drilling, measures that may have a significant impact on New York's environment for years to come.

Gov. Paterson has signed about 200 laws in recent weeks.The new brownfields law restructures incentives to cleanup contaminated sites, and will save the state money because there will be a limit on tax credits for redevelopment, according to the Journal News.

The governor signed the second bill, which updates the state’s uniform well spacing system to include additional wells and drilling activity, despite concerns from environmental organizations (including NYLCV) about potential consequences.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Pete Grannis said that his agency will be "vigilant" in ensuring environmental safeguards. "Water protection will be a top priority," he added. "As the issue of potential natural gas drilling develops, Governor Paterson and DEC are committed to exercising its authority to protect New Yorkers and their environment."