Last week, the New York League of Conservation Voters and partner organizations joined Sen. Pete Harckham in Albany as he announced the introduction of the Packing Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act.

"We were fortunate this year to have a field of candidates with a strong track record on environmental action. In many races, we had to choose between contenders who all demonstrated serious commitments to climate; in those instances, we focused on candidates who have consistently delivered real results,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “In the mayoral race, Andrew Cuomo and Brad Lander rose above the rest. Governor Cuomo was instrumental in passing the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and made generational investments in clean air, clean water, and parks. Comptroller Lander has been a leader on climate finance, driving fossil fuel divestment from pension funds, helping to pass the nation-leading plastic bag ban and Styrofoam restrictions, and championing environmental causes throughout his time on the City Council. We are proud to endorse this group of candidates and look forward to working with them to continue advancing environmental progress at the local level.” 

When the Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law in August of 2022, it was the biggest, boldest climate legislation in U.S. history. It promised to accelerate the clean energy transition, create green jobs across the country, and invest in a healthier, more sustainable future. Now those promises are at risk of being broken. The reconciliation bill that passed the House, if enacted, would unravel key provisions of the IRA, rescind billions in key climate investments at the EPA and Department of Energy, and pull the rug out from under American families and businesses that have begun to rely on clean energy tax credits.

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.

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.”