Latest News: State Wide

Last month, NYLCV's Johnluca Fenton participated in the National LCV Young Leaders Program in Washington, DC. They had the opportunity to hear from current Capitol Hill lobbyists as well as leading congressional representatives on an array of topics relating to congressional environmental action.

The 2019 legislative session came to a close with historic gains for the environment. The State Senate and Assembly passed the most aggressive climate legislation in the country as well as other legislative measures, putting New York at the forefront of the fight for environmental protection.

Earlier this month, the New York State Senate unanimously passed S. 4351, which establishes a responsible system for the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of leftover paint products. The companion bill, A. 6373, passed the Assembly on the last day of the legislative session.

Momentum is building to pass climate change legislation as the end of this legislative session approaches this week.

State Senator Liz Krueger and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic recently introduced a bill to remove caps on the number of allowed bus rapid transit programs and automated enforcement cameras for bus lanes. The bill would enhance our bus service, alleviate congestion, and encourage more New Yorkers to leave their cars at home.

State Senator Jessica Ramos and Assemblywoman Nily Rozic introduced legislation to legalize the use of electric bicycles and scooters across New York State. This legislation would create official classifications for e-bikes and e-scooters, while still allowing local authority over streets and sidewalks by letting municipalities decide whether or not they want to integrate these low-emission transit options into their transportation networks.

Together with The Nature Conservancy in New York, NRDC New York, and Audubon NY, NYLCV president Julie Tighe testified before the New York State Assembly about the need for urgent action this session on climate. She stated that we must reduce our net greenhouse emissions as close to zero as we can and that climate legislation should include carbon-neutrality and a clean electric grid.