The second day of the 2025 Professional Abatement Contractors of New York (PACNY) 28th Annual Environmental Conference at Turning Stone Resort and Casino built on the momentum of Day One, delivering another impressive lineup of speakers, powerful insights, and meaningful conversations that underscored the challenges — and opportunities — in our industry.
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| Russell Vent Introducing New Members of PACNY |
The morning opened with a “PACNY – State of the Union” address delivered by PACNY President Kevin Hutton and Vice President Russell C. Vent. Their presentation outlined the association’s accomplishments over the past year, current legislative concerns, and PACNY’s continued commitment to environmental and worker safety advocacy. Their remarks reinforced PACNY’s role as a vital voice for our industry, especially in times of shifting regulatory landscapes.
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| BJ Fungaroli makes several points about why the Asbestos Industry has 125+ years |
Next up was our Keynote Speaker, BJ Fungaroli, President/CEO of Environmental Holdings Group, LLC, who gave a compelling presentation on “The State of the Asbestos Industry.” BJ didn’t hold back — and he didn’t sugarcoat things either. According to him, the asbestos industry isn’t going away anytime soon. In fact, BJ emphasized that we’re looking at another 125+ years of work, oversight, and regulation, due to the enormous volume of asbestos still present in our building stock and infrastructure. His presentation was a stark reminder of the long-term responsibility that asbestos professionals must continue to shoulder.
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| BJ Fungaroli discussing automation of the Asbestos Industry |
Following BJ’s keynote, Linda Reinstein, Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization, and Brent Kynoch, Environmental Information Association presented “The State of the Asbestos Ban.” Their presentation clarified where things currently stand with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) risk evaluation process. While we’ve seen progress with Part 1: Chrysotile asbestos, the bigger challenge lies ahead with Part 2: The Supplemental Evaluation, which will include legacy uses and associated disposal of asbestos-containing materials. This upcoming phase could have far-reaching implications for how asbestos is regulated and managed across the U.S. Because of EPA's footdragging regarding banning all forms of asbestos it is even more important to support the passage of Bicameral Alan Reinstein Ban Asbestos Now Act (S.1069 and H.R. 2402). Linda and Brent’s message was clear: the fight isn’t over, and active industry participation in public comment and advocacy will be critical in shaping the future of asbestos regulation.
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| Brent Kynoch and Linda Reinstein speaking on the Asbestos Ban |
After the morning session, attendees enjoyed a coffee break in the Exhibit Hall, which was buzzing with conversations, new product demos, and vendor networking.
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| NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Presentation and Roundtable Q&A |
We returned to the main conference room for one of the most anticipated segments of the day — the NYS Department of Labor (NYSDOL) Presentation and Roundtable Q&A. This session featured:
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Vincent Rapacciuolo, Deputy Director
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Kirk Fisher, Head of the Asbestos Control Bureau
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Chek Beng Ng, Head of the Engineering Services Unit
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Conor Donnelly, Head of Licensing & Certification
This panel provided critical updates and fielded questions from attendees on a wide range of topics. Among the highlights:
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An overview of NYSDOL’s ongoing rollout of the Management System for Protecting Workers Rights (MPWER) online system for training certificates and variances
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A look at NYSDOL’s pilot use of drone technology to enhance enforcement and inspection efforts
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Clarification on licensing, enforcement priorities, and the department’s approach to fielding variance requests
The roundtable format offered attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with the regulators shaping policy on the ground — and the PACNY audience took full advantage of it. The conversation was lively, informative, and — at times — refreshingly candid.
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| NYSDOL sent their enforcement staff to attend the conference and meet attendees |
The day concluded with a networking lunch, giving attendees one last chance to connect, reflect on the conference’s content, and strengthen professional relationships. It was the perfect cap to two days filled with insight, energy, and community.
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| Tony Rich & Linda Reinstein visited our booth in the Exhibit Hall! |
