A 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards finalist, Inside the Green Lobby recounts the behind-the-scenes struggles of a veteran environmental lobbyist working to save New York’s six-million-acre Adirondack Park from the devastating damage from acid rain and the sudden breakup of massive private land holdings. From strategy sessions to private meetings with legislators, governors, members of Congress and even the President of the United States, Inside the Green Lobby recounts, through engaging and entertaining stories, how environmental advocates successfully pursue legislative and policy change.
Author at a press conference on acid rain with NYS Attorney General Dennis Vacco.
Governor Pataki signs the timber theft bill. Author at center rear.
Author speaks at NYS acid rain legislation signing ceremony in front of Governor Pataki.
Author in Saratoga Springs with then Senator from New York, Al D’Amato
NYS Assembly Environmental Committee Chairman Richard Brodsky with Author
“The book is both interesting and important. For more than 125 years New Yorkers have debated wide-ranging political issues regarding the protection of the Adirondack Park. The stories he relates and the observations he makes provide significant information about pieces of a long and complicated political history.”
Richard S. Booth
Department of City and Regional Planning, Cornell University; former staff attorney for the Adirondack Park Agency (1972–1975); and former member of the Adirondack Park Agency (2007–2016)
“Melewski’s new memoir, “Inside the Green Lobby: The Fight to Save the Adirondack Park” is drawn from three decades as an environmental powerbroker in Albany. He is a fine storyteller and the book should be irresistible to political junkies, but is also worthwhile for those who do not know much about how a bill becomes a law. People often think of politics as a game of competing ideas where the outcome depends on who spends the most money. But that is only part of the truth. Melewski adds missing pieces.”
Adirondack Explorer Magazine
Excerpt from a review by author Brad Edmondson published in the May/June edition. First published in 1998, the Adirondack Explorer is a nonprofit magazine committed to the Adirondacks’ best reporting, writing, photography and artwork.
Podcasts
The Capitol Pressroom & Altamont Enterprise
About The Author
Over his 25 year career, Bernard Melewski, as an environmental attorney and lobbyist, has been involved in most of the environmental and energy policy issues confronting New York State. He continues to work as an environmental lawyer, organic farmer, and farm winery owner in Altamont, New York.
– 2023 National Indie Excellence Awards Finalist –
“Melewski’s memoir is a useful primary source for researchers interested in understanding how the public interest advocates went about their daily work, strategized to pursue policy goals, and adjusted to current events and unforeseen opportunities and setbacks … The memoir is also a valuable tool to gain insight into the complexities, intricacies, and patience involved with generating legislative and regulatory actions at the state and federal levels.” — H-Net Reviews (H-Environment)
