Environmental Watchdog Groups Urge Legislators Not to Fall for NY Governor's State Parks Shell Game

ALBANY, NY (05/24/2010)(readMedia)-- With Gov. David Paterson proposing a dangerous shell game that would harm New Yorkers' treasured natural heritage, the state's largest environmental accountability organizations, EPL/Environmental Advocates, the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum, and the New York League of Conservation Voters, reminded lawmakers that the fate of the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) will loom large in their upcoming rankings, endorsements and political campaign decisions.

Earlier today, the Governor proposed staggering EPF cuts that will inflict long-term damage on every facet of New York's environment: capital spending on water quality, farmland protection, forestry, community recycling programs, zoos, aquariums and much more. The Governor's three-card Monty – cutting these environmental programs to keep parks open – is a cynical attempt to confuse New Yorkers and distract from the lack of a state budget.

"This is a pathetic political ploy by the Governor that impacts everybody who loves New York," said EPL/Environmental Advocates' executive director Robert Moore. "He's putting a gun to the head of the Environmental Protection Fund and threatening to pull the trigger if the legislature doesn't correct his past mistake of closing state parks."

In early May, the three watchdog groups announced that they will coordinate efforts to hold individual legislators accountable for their votes to restore the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), to keep state parks open and to restore operating resources for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). Legislators' votes on these issues will be heavily weighted in their environmental ranking, endorsements and PAC support by the watchdog groups.

"Robbing the Environmental Protection Fund is the wrong way to keep our state parks open," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "We strongly urge the Legislature to not rush toward a bad decision merely because Memorial Day is around the corner. Let's redouble our efforts to pass a real budget that addresses New York's true environmental needs."

"You can't borrow from Peter to pay Paul, especially when you've been stealing from him for years," said Richard Amper, Chairman of the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum. "We suggest that legislators think twice about following the lead of a Governor who hasn't gotten it right for a long time," he added.

The groups said that legislators who act responsibly will certainly be recognized for their efforts, while reiterating that those who follow the Governor's lead will be held accountable.

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