NYLCV issued the following statement regarding the New York State Budget.
Patrick McClellan, State Policy Director of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “NYLCV is thrilled that this year’s budget is full of green policies and investments, including policies that NYLCV has been advocating for over many years. We commend Governor Cuomo, Speaker Heastie, Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins and the legislature for making New York City the first city in the nation to implement congestion pricing. Beyond generating revenue for public transit for the entire metro region, congestion pricing will reduce traffic, air pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. From a ban on plastic bags to a requirement to donate excess food and recycle food waste, to $500 million in new funds for clean water infrastructure, this budget is pro-environment from top to bottom. We thank Environmental Conservation Committee Chairs Kaminksy and Englebright for fighting to ensure the $300 million Environmental Protection Fund is free from fiscal gimmicks, and will only be used to support environmental programming. We look forward to working with policymakers and stakeholders as these bold new programs are implemented.”