NYLCV Will Not Endorse Any Incumbents For State Legislature In 2006; Vows To Help Elect New Enviro Leaders to Break the Legislative Logjam In Albany

List of Non-Endorsed Incumbents

New York, New York --- The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is taking the unprecedented step of denying endorsements to each of the 67 incumbents who sought its backing in the 2006 election. This marks the first time in the organization's history that no member of the legislature seeking re-election earned NYLCV backing.

The NYLCV Board of Directors cited the disappointing 2006 legislative session, and previous sessions, for its decision. For several years now, the legislature has failed to pass vital environmental laws at a time when the health of New York's communities is being threatened by wasteful energy policies, flooding, pollution, and irresponsible development.

"We are extremely disappointed with the legislative outcome in 2006. There were four priority bills sitting in both houses that have been there for years, but the legislature sat on its hands instead of standing up to leadership to move the environmental agenda," said NYLCV Executive Director Marcia Bystryn.

In 2006, NYLCV called on the state government to find solutions to five urgent environmental priorities. These were: planning for better growth, creating efficient energy policies, preserving open spaces, protecting wetlands, and increasing environmental funding. While the legislature added dollars to the Environmental Protection Fund, it did not make any strides in the four other areas.

"Legislators addressed one out of five of New York's environmental priorities. They took a small step toward solving New York's environmental problems when a giant leap was needed," said NYLCV Board Chair Chuck Warren. "Moving forward, we'll be looking to each member of the legislature to let their leaders know that serious environmental solutions require a serious commitment from both parties."

"NYLCV will now concentrate its election efforts on putting endorsements and dollars behind new leaders who will be enlisted to push the leadership to forge bi-partisan solutions for the environment," Bystryn added.