PRESS STATEMENT

August 6, 2009

ENVIRONMENTAL WATCHDOG COMMENDS NY GOV. PATERSON FOR INTRODUCING MANDATE TO REDUCE GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION
 

(ALBANY, NY)—“Governor David Paterson is taking an historic step to restore New York's leadership in the arena of global warming. While opposition exists to reducing the pollution that is already changing our climate, the Governor recognizes that New York’s economy and environment only stand to benefit from decisive action to combat the greatest environmental threat of our generation,” said Robert Moore, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York.

The Governor signed Executive Order No. 24 (click here to read the Executive Order) earlier today, which sets a goal to reduce New York State’s climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by the year 2050. The Executive Order also creates a Climate Action Council with a directive to prepare a draft Climate Action Plan by September 30, 2010.

Earlier this year, the New York State Assembly passed legislation, thanks in part to the leadership of Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), with a similar goal to cut climate change pollution from all sources—cars, trucks, factories, homes, and more—80 percent by the year 2050. In the Senate, the Global Warming Pollution Control Act was moved out of the Environmental Conservation Committee by Senator Antoine Thompson (D-Buffalo) on May 5^th.

Click here to read the Governor's press release.

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Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.