NYLCV released this statement following Governor Cuomo’s 2019 State of the State and Budget Address:
Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “New York is again showing environmental leadership as Washington moves backward. The Governor is proposing bold ideas on a host of NYLCV priorities for 2019 – including congestion pricing, a Green New Deal, a $10 billion Green Future Fund, steps to address the recycling crisis, toxic chemical product disclosure, and protecting children from lead exposure. We need to act on climate change, not simply develop plans and set lofty goals. That’s why it’s so exciting to see Governor Cuomo’s Green New Deal. His plan to green our state’s power grid by 2040, with real, measurable interim targets and commitment to climate justice are nation-leading actions in combating climate change. We are also thrilled that Cuomo is advancing a congestion pricing plan. It is past time to fix the subways and invest in transit deserts while reducing traffic and improving air quality. Congestion pricing is the only approach that does all three. The Green Future Fund will double the Clean Water Infrastructure Act’s investment in protecting drinking water, provide $3 billion for green energy and clean transportation, and invest $2 billion to protect natural resources. We look forward to working with the Governor and our partners in the legislature to move these green policies and investments forward.”