New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
(212) 361-6350, Ext. 206
For Immediate Release: May 29, 2020
Contact: Shachar Sharon, ssharon@nylcv.org
NYLCVEF Holds AD-125 Virtual Environmental Candidate Forum
Ithaca, N.Y. – Voters in Cortland and Tompkins Counties yesterday had the opportunity to ask candidates for Assembly District 125 where they stand on the environment. The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF), together with Rhea Jezer of Energy21, hosted a virtual Environmental Candidate Forum via Zoom moderated by Thomas Pudney of the Ithaca Voice. Participating candidates included Sujata Gibson, Beau Harbin, Lisa Hoeschele, Anna Kelles, Jordan Lesser, Jason Leifer, and Seph Murtagh.
The candidates answered questions about creating green jobs in the district, controlling the spread of invasive species and harmful algal blooms, passing legislation to help meet the State’s climate goals, and reducing emissions from the transportation sector.
New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund President Julie Tighe said, “Cortland and Tompkins Counties face environmental issues including access to renewable energy, water quality protection, and invasive species control. Outgoing Assemblymember Barbara Lifton has been a longtime champion of the environment and worked on many of these issues. We want to make sure the district’s next Assemblymember does the same and keeps the environment top of mind. We thank all of tonight’s attendees for sending a message that New Yorkers care about the environment and are paying attention during this election. We also thank all of the candidates, partners, and our moderator for their participation.”
Assemblymembers have a big impact on the environment in New York. They can write and propose new bills and ratify laws that protect the environment, as well as serve on relevant committees such as the Energy, Environmental Conservation, and Transportation Committees. These committees can refine and focus bills on particular subjects and weigh their merits, often influencing whether they will pass or not.
Event partners included: Mothers out Front, Sustainable Tompkins, Heat Smart Tompkins, Climate Reality Project, Sierra Club, League of Women Voters of Cortland County. Video of the forum is available here.
The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund educates, engages, and empowers New Yorkers to be effective environmental advocates. NYLCVEF’s programs foster open, nonpartisan discussion on environmental policy issues and encourage New Yorkers to get involved in the environmental decision-making process at the local, state, and federal levels. Visit www.nylcvef.org for more information.
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