Voters in the vast majority of school districts with ESBs on the ballot said yes to protecting kids’ health, reducing harmful diesel pollution, and accelerating the transition to a fully electric school bus fleet by 2035.

With New York State having passed its FY26 budget, NYLCV turns its attention to key legislation to help ensure the continued reduction of greenhouse gas emissions across the state. "The state needs to push forward on a full complement of projects if we are going to meet our climate goals," said NYLCV Policy Director Pat McClellan. "During the remainder of the legislative session we will continue to work with the governor and state legislature to address critical measures that were left on the table during budget negotiations, including the NY HEAT Act, a Clean Fuel Standard for transportation, and Advanced Automatic Voter Registration, to name just a few." 

By Mark Tausig Need to know: New York City is putting together its first-ever Urban Forest Plan, and New Yorkers

At this time of political upheaval, New York state must simultaneously work to protect our environment and strengthen our democracy. There’s no denying the two go hand in hand. Enter the Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration bill. The bill, passed by the state Senate in January, would provide for automatic voter registration and preregistration for persons applying for a driver’s license or a state ID through the DMV and for Medicaid enrollees. “Our democracy is stronger when access to voting is more accessible, and our elections are free from undue interference,” said Bill sponsor and Deputy Senate Leader Mike Gianaris. “There should not be roadblocks to the ballot box, whether from obstacles to registration or the inappropriate influence of big money. I am proud the State Senate is once again leading the way on protecting our democratic institutions.” 

This administration is seeking to roll back decades of bipartisan environmental protections that ensure basic rights, while gutting the EPA. While the Trump administration wants to pretend that the climate crisis doesn’t exist, New York knows better.

Replacing just one mile of old gas pipeline costs $6 million — and New Yorkers foot the bill through rising utility rates. The NY HEAT Act offers a better path forward: modern, efficient, and clean energy upgrades for entire neighborhoods — at no cost to residents. This Yonkers community was transformed — see how it can work for all of New York.

This role allows you to be on the frontlines of environmental advocacy, representing the organization in Albany during a critical time for climate and sustainability policy.

The budget is one of the key opportunities for NYLCV to advance policies that fight climate change, protect public health, and promote sustainability. But how does the process work? Let’s break it down.