Green Watchdog Group's Response to Governor Cuomo's 1st State of the State Address

ALBANY, NY (01/05/2011)(readMedia)-- The state government watchdog group Environmental Advocates of New York congratulates Governor Andrew Cuomo on his inaugural State of the State address. To underscore the Governor's remarks regarding the need to change the political culture of Albany, other leaders were invited to speak, including New York State Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. The Governor's State of the State address stayed true to the message communicated during the campaign--New York State is in crisis but our leaders must recognize the crisis as an opportunity to transform state government for the better.

"Environmental Advocates of New York applauds Governor Andrew Cuomo's intention to reclaim the state's position as a progressive leader and encourages him to focus on pressing issues including reducing the pollution that is changing our climate, safeguarding our drinking water from hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, and enforcing existing environmental laws. We are interested in learning more about the Governor's 'Cleaner, Greener Communities Program,' which will encourage New York communities to bolster environmental protection while creating jobs and revitalizing our cities."

"Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver also deserves praise for calling attention to what is arguably the state's most pressing environmental challenge, the need to protect New York's drinking water from the environmentally dangerous process of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas."

"Environmental Advocates of New York celebrates Governor Cuomo's choice of Joe Martens to head up the state's Department of Environmental Conservation. Joe Martens is an excellent choice to lead the agency, which faces tremendous challenges in the current fiscal climate. Martens is the recipient of our 2008 Advocate Award, which is given to the state's most stalwart environmental champions."

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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.