NYLCVEF Holds CD-15 Virtual Environmental Candidate Forum

New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund

(212) 361-6350, Ext. 206

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2020

Contact: Shachar Sharon, ssharon@nylcv.org

 

NYLCVEF Holds CD-15 Virtual Environmental Candidate Forum

Bronx, N.Y. – Bronx voters yesterday had the opportunity to ask candidates for Congressional District 15 where they stand on the environment. The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) hosted a virtual Environmental Candidate Forum via Zoom moderated by The City’s Ese Olumhense. Participating candidates included Michael Blake, Samelys Lopez, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Chivona Newsome, Julio Pabon, Ydanis Rodriguez, and Ritchie Torres.

The candidates answered questions including how Congress can support renewable energy, preserve public lands in the Bronx, tackle climate change, and address air quality disparities in environmental justice neighborhoods.

New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund President Julie Tighe said, “New Yorkers in the Bronx are faced with environmental issues on a daily basis, from lead exposure to air pollution, to mobility and waste issues, to access to fresh food and green spaces. The disproportionate effects of environmental injustice have only been made more obvious by the impacts of COVID in these communities, the same communities that will be more impacted by climate change. Yet, often these environmental questions are not raised on the campaign trail. We held this forum to ensure the environment is top of mind for candidates and voters. We thank all of tonight’s attendees for sending a message that New Yorkers care about having a healthy environment, a livable climate for future generations, and are paying attention during this election. We also thank all of the candidates, partners, and our moderator for their participation.”

Congressmembers have a big impact on the environment in New York. They can secure funding for public lands, fight against the Trump Administration’s regulatory rollbacks, mitigate clean water infrastructure, and enact standards on environmental toxins like lead and PFOA/PFOS. 

Event partners included: New Yorkers for Parks, Natural Areas Conservancy, and the Climate Reality Project. 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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