Media Contact: Brett Spielberg | bspielberg@nylcv.org
New York Elects Pro-Environment Leaders in 2021
New York, NY – New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) is pleased to announce that at least 83% of NYLCV-endorsed candidates have been elected, including candidates for NYC Mayor Eric Adams and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan; Westchester County Executive George Latimer; Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips; East Hampton Town Supervisor Peter Van Scoyoc and Yorktown Town Supervisor Matthew Slater; and a New York City Council Majority committed to significant climate action.
“The New York League of Conservation Voters is thrilled to see that New Yorkers voted for the environment, including adding a Constitutional right to clean air and water for all New Yorkers, supporting 87 NYLCV-endorsed candidates who are committed to our shared priorities and emboldened to take action as leaders in their communities,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “We look forward to continued wins for the environment, especially next year when we will have the opportunity to pass the $4 billion Environmental Bond Act.”
Voting for NYLCV-endorsed candidates is one of the most important ways to advocate for climate action, and we gave voters more options to consider this election season. A record number of candidates — 270 — sought our endorsement this year, and NYLCV endorsed in 105 races, another record for the organization. In total, 83% of the candidates — 87— that we supported won their elections. While some races still await absentee ballots for final results, NYLCV and its partners in the environmental policy arena have seen that New York’s voters made the environment a priority, including support for Proposition 2, which will protect public health and the environment by adding the right to clean air and water and a healthful environment to the Bill of Rights in the New York State Constitution.
This election was another major step forward for the environment, public health, and a clean energy economy. Engaging our elected officials and holding them accountable on Election Day is one of the most important ways that you can advocate for climate action and a sustainable future. Your votes helped fortify the power of the environment in elections, and asserts the importance of the conservation voter movement.
While we celebrate historic 2021 election results for the environment across New York State, there’s plenty of work to look forward to. We must keep up the momentum and continue to elect leaders who will fight for a sustainable future at the national, state, and local levels.
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