Watchdog Groups to Hold NYS Legislators Accountable for Disproportionate Cuts in Environmental Budget

ALBANY, NY (05/05/2010)(readMedia)-- Given the deep and disproportionate cuts to environmental programs included in Governor David Paterson's budget proposal for 2010, EPL/Environmental Advocates, the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum, and the New York League of Conservation Voters announced today that the groups are coordinating their efforts to hold individual legislators accountable this fall. Lawmakers' votes to restore the State's Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) as well as operating resources for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and to keep state parks open will be heavily weighted in their environmental ranking, endorsements and PAC support by the watchdog groups.

"While tough times require prudent budgeting, New York's Environmental Protection Fund has been unfairly singled out in the Governor's budget proposal," said Richard Amper, Chairman of the Long Island Environmental Voters Forum. "Nearly $500 million has been swept from the Fund in recent years, and this year Governor Paterson proposes additional cuts to the tune of $69 million, a 33 percent hit. 'We Love New York' is not just a slogan-it means that we must hold lawmakers accountable for their actions."

In January, Governor Paterson proposed the most expensive budget in New York State history but at the same time, his proposal takes an axe to environmental programs and leaves the DEC bleeding from staff losses. Under his plan, the DEC will lose 54 staff and the EPF will be reduced to $143 million, down from $212 million. Cuts to New York's primary fund for environmental projects means that programs that range from water quality improvement and waterfront revitalization, to municipal parks, recycling and land conservation will be drastically reduced or shut down due to lack of funds.

"Everyone recognizes New York's economic challenges, but our elected representatives must not imperil our air, water and natural resources by disproportionately cutting environmental programs and enforcement staff," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "In the upcoming campaign season, the Climate Action PAC – NYLCV's political action committee – will not give a dime to any elected official who does not put their money where their mouths are when it comes to protecting and prioritizing environmental funding in the State budget."

Proposed cuts to New York State's DEC mean that the agency will have fewer personnel to oversee water and air pollution discharged into the State's environment, as well as dozens of other critical functions. The loss of 54 staff positions, in addition to the more than 450 staff lost over the last few years due to budget cuts, a hiring freeze and retirement incentives, will leave the agency unable to fully protect New York's environment and health.

"If lawmakers restore cuts to essential programs for protecting drinking water, state parks, and agency staff, we'll recognize their effort. If they don't lift a finger you can bet we'll recognize that too," said Robert Moore, EPL/Environmental Advocates, an organization that publishes the only environmental scorecard in New York State. "Every year, we score legislators' performance on environmental issues and this year the budget will be a key part of that evaluation."

EPL/Environmental Advocates, Long Island Voters Forum and New York League of Conservation Voters are inspired by the "We Love New York" campaign to defend the State's environmental fund. The campaign includes billboard, online and print advertisements, including personal ads, asking state leaders to demonstrate their love for New York by supporting the Environmental Protection Fund. Campaign ads are available at www.KeepProtectingNY.org.

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