Long Island is a leader in environmental protection and is likely to be at the forefront of climate protection. Take towns like Brookhaven, Smithtown and Babylon. They're already leading the way in cutting-edge green building standards and alternative vehicle retrofits.

Click the image above to read our 2008 Long Island Policy AgendaAnd they're part of an important trend. Across the nation, state governments are providing the federal government with lessons learned in climate action. But really it's the localities -- cities and towns -- that are becoming vital testing grounds for state leaders. New York state is no exception, and Long Island has what it takes to be number one on the list of the state's most influential climate leaders.

Evidence suggests that there is already a solutions-oriented approach to climate protection on Long Island that promotes energy efficiency, pioneers renewable energy, recycles waste, plans smart growth and reduces traffic congestion.

And this is just the beginning.

The NYLCV Long Island Chapter has identified towns in both Nassau and Suffolk Counties where we will work side-by-side with the town leaders to ensure that climate action is at the top of their policy agendas. In each town, we will develop campaigns to educate the public, and the likely candidates, on the hot-button climate issues of the day and on the actions that are necessary to propel Long Island forward on the path toward climate action.