NYLCV released the following statement on the passage of the 2020-2021 New York State Budget:
Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “As Washington is rolling back our environmental progress, New York is picking up the leadership mantle. While crucially addressing the ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic, we applaud Governor Cuomo, Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Speaker Carl Heastie, the State Senate, and the Assembly for passing a responsible budget that also tackles the long-term climate crisis and includes many of our top priorities. COVID-19 puts people with respiratory illnesses like asthma at higher risk, illustrating the importance of reducing pollution and improving air quality.
“Legalizing e-bikes and e-scooters is integral as more New Yorkers rely on food delivery during the pandemic. They provide a clean transportation option and will help decrease emissions from the transportation sector. Legislation to accelerate the siting of renewable energy will be critical for reducing emissions, meeting our nation-leading climate goals while supporting green jobs and helping our economy when the pandemic it subsides. Codifying the ban on hyrofracking will encourage the use of renewable energy for generations to come. The Restore Mother Nature Environmental Bond Act, a fully funded Environmental Protection Fund, and another $500 million for clean water infrastructure will help us protect communities and ecosystems, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and provide resources for vital environmental programming. A ban on disposable styrofoam will reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and help keep our waterways clear.
“We are thrilled that New York continues to lead on the environment. This budget demonstrates that our leaders, and especially Senators Kaminsky and Parker, Assemblymembers Englebright and Cusick, continued to make protecting the environment, fighting climate change and promoting clean energy a priority. We look forward to working with policymakers and stakeholders to implement these programs.”