Blueprint for a Greener Capital Region

On the heels of last year’s county and municipal elections, NYLCV’s Capital Region Chapter worked closely with local advocates to develop an environmental policy agenda for government officials to help guide their work over the next two years.

The Blueprint for a Greener Capital Region tackles several key issue areas facing the region and offers more than 50 specific recommendations. Topics include: sustainable & transit oriented development; sustainable transportation; open space preservation; natural resource protection; sustainable public asset management; energy; and farms and local food.

NYLCV also identified three achievable goals that it will focus its advocacy efforts on over the next two years:

Regional Transit Analysis – Develop guidelines for transit expansion to connect major air and rail transportation hubs, the central business districts and inner city communities with the eventual goal of a 21st Century regional rapid transit system.

Renewable Energy – Streamline and modernize the process of renewable energy installation; encourage the city and county to install renewable energy on government owned property.

Clean and Safe Drinking Water – Promote the regular testing of drinking water to ensure the safety and overall well-being of our communities, and especially our children.

Marcia Bystryn, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters said: “From its parks and natural resources to the sustainable re-development of its former industrial centers, the Capital Region is faced with many environmental challenges. The good news is we have provided a path for the Region’s elected leaders tackle them head on at both the State and Local levels. We look forward to working together to make our recommendations a reality.”

Lawrence R. Schillinger, Chair of the NYLCV’s Capital Region Chapter said: “Pollution and aging infrastructure threaten our access to clean water, as has been most recently brought to the public’s attention in Hoosick Falls, Troy and other communities.   Meanwhile, the Capital Region lags way behind other national urban technology centers in providing clean, energy-efficient transportation options.  This frustrates our ability to attract and retain a tech-savvy workforce and denies inner-city residents with access to good paying jobs.   Our State and Local elected leaders must act now to protect our communities, grow our economy and to preserve and improve our quality of life. The NYLCV’s comprehensive, bipartisan strategy for the Capital Region focuses on developing modern regional transit networks, promoting renewable energy, and safeguarding our water.  These are common sense priorities  which deserve and compel widespread support.”