PRESS STATEMENT

September 26, 2008

environmental ADVOCATES OF nEW YORK CALLS ON GOV PATERSON, STATE LEADERS TO KEEP RGGI AUCTION REVENUES CLEAN & GREEN

(ALBANY, NY)— “Today’s auction of carbon dioxide allowances under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, the ‘RGGI’, is a milestone in our nation's response to climate change, and New York is where it all started,” said Robert Moore, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. “With all eyes on the 10 pioneering RGGI states, Environmental Advocates of New York is calling on Governor David Paterson and the New York State Legislature to take the lead once more and commit to keeping all resources generated by these landmark auctions clean and green. Dedicating RGGI auction dollars to energy efficiency and clean energy will reap big benefits for New Yorkers in the form of lower energy bills and cleaner air in the years ahead.” 

The first auction of carbon dioxide emissions allowances under the RGGI is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 25, 2008.

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Environmental Advocates of New York is the state’s government watchdog, holding lawmakers and agencies accountable for implementing policy that protects natural resources and safeguards public health. Environmental Advocates works alone and in coalitions, and has more than 7,000 individual and 130 organizational members. The 501(c)(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more information call 518.462.5526 or visit www.eany.org.