UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - More and more local companies are making the transition to a greener workplace. It has been said that helping the environment comes with a lot of benefits, such as cutting costs and producing a higher quality product. However, New York State does not recognize "green business" when it comes to insurance policies.

"The underwriters always look at who's going to pay but the underwriters have to look at the liability so in insurance it's all underwriting and it's all liability, says Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito.

"We're behind right now and I think we are looking at providing tax credits, looking at in this particular instance, going green could actually reduce workers compensation," State Senator Joe Griffo added.

For the last ten years, New York State has pushed for a greener tomorrow. So why is it taking so long for the State Insurance Department to recognize the efforts of local companies? "I think it has to evolve and I think we have to bring it through the legislature to the insurance departments attention," Destito said.

"A lot of things are happening right now that we need to be sensitized to start looking at how we can help to promote these activities that are good activities. good for business, good for the environment and good for people," Griffo said.

Sumax in Oriskany has put the pedal to the metal when it comes to going green but the biggest hurdle is not having the proper coverage. Senator Joe Griffo and Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito say it is still beneficial to go green.

"Long term liability is lessened. We will see less and less superfunds. Less brown-fields left by businesses. As we've experienced here in the Mohawk Valley where the cleanup is very costly, says Destito.

State lawmakers are now aware of this green blemish and promise to continue working on it. "We've started a little bit in the state through our procurement process but we need to move it forward," Destito said.

While we have proposed some measures in the legislature, I think we need to propose an entire green agenda," Griffo said.