Green Watchdog Criticizes Deficit Reduction Package

• by Environmental Advocates of New York

ALBANY, NY (12/02/2009)(readMedia)-- In response to the budget deficit reduction package passed today by the New York State Senate and early this morning by the Assembly, Environmental Advocates of New York is decrying the theft of $90 million generated by auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), the 10-state plan that reduces climate-altering power plant pollution and saves New York consumers and businesses money on heating and energy bills.

Raiding revenue generated by the nation's first-ever plan to reduce global warming pollution to plug New York's budget hole hurts consumers and the environment.

The Deficit Reduction Plan also includes a $10 million cut to the Environmental Protection Fund, hurting programs that support landfill closures, recycling initiatives and local waterfront revitalization. More than $500 million has been taken from the Fund since 2002.

Governor David Paterson first proposed the RGGI raid and cuts to the Environmental Protection Fund in October.

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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.