NYLCV released the following statement in response to the proposed City budget cuts:
Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, said, “While we understand that cuts need to be made to the City’s budget in response to the COVID pandemic, NYLCV is disappointed that waste reduction and clean transportation programs are on the list. The climate crisis isn’t staying at home. Suspending curbside organic waste collection will set back the City’s Zero Waste goals. Food waste is a major contributor to climate change because it releases methane, a greenhouse gas 30 times more potent than carbon, when it is landfilled. Even if it saves some money in the short run, increasing our carbon footprint will have long-term fiscal and environmental consequences. Cutting funding for bike lane infrastructure may cause unsafe riding conditions, especially now when New Yorkers are relying on bikes to commute more than ever. Failing to expand bus lanes will prevent buses from improving their reliability for commuters and is a missed opportunity to put riders ahead of drivers in pollution-emitting cars. NYLCV will work to hold the City accountable to its promises on the environment, transportation, and waste reduction.”