The New York League of Conservation Voters laid out their legislative agenda for 2012, calling on lawmakers to address a number of issues they say are vital for the environmental health of the state.
“Today, we are setting the goalpost for environmental progress in Albany,” said Marcia Bystryn, NYLCV’s President. “These four issues consistently rank as top priorities for the state’s leading green groups and the political climate is ripe for action.”
Ms. Bystryn’s agenda comes with a carrot, as she notes that the election season is starting up in earnest and that their groups hopes to be a player.
“In just a matter of weeks, NYLCV will begin our candidate screening process,” she added. “The first question we will ask is how lawmakers helped advance these bills. We will then make our endorsements and campaign decisions accordingly.”
The release notes that the “NYLCV has the only political action committee — called NYLCV PAC — that runs electoral campaigns to elect environmental leaders.”
So lawmakers, study up: the group’s legislative priorities are listed below:
1) The Environmental Protection Fund
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed maintaining the EPF at last year’s level of $134 million. NYLCV recently participated in a key lobby day and is working on a media campaign to encourage lawmakers to agree to that number in the final budget. We are also working with the Friends of New York’s Environment to advocate for additional EPF revenues through unclaimed bottle deposits. Those funds are currently going directly into the general fund, to no environmental benefit.
2) Hazardous wastes from hydrofracking
A loophole in federal environmental regulations currently categorizes hydrofracking wastewater as non-hazardous — even if the wastewater itself is actually hazardous. In February, the Assembly passed a bill to close this loophole and protect New York’s natural resources. NYLCV will be working closely with our partner organizations to pass companion legislation in the Senate.
3) Sewage right-to-know
There is currently no state law that requires the public to be notified when sewage contaminates New York’s coastal waters, lakes and rivers. This leaves millions of residents at risk of contracting waterborne illnesses from exposure to sewage-laden
4) Solar energy
In his State of the State address, Gov. Cuomo specifically mentioned solar — vowing to double in-state generation by the end of the year, and quadruple it by 2013. The governor’s budget proposal also calls for tax credits for the installation of solar systems. These initiatives are a good start, but state lawmakers can go a step further. NYLCV is playing a key role in a broad coalition of organizations to push for a long-term and robust solar program. Our goal is to position New York as a clean-energy leader, improve air quality and generate significant economic activity.
