News from Environmental Advocates of New York

For more information contact: Erica Ringewald, 518-210-9903

Environmental Watchdog to Release Report on How NYS is Shortchanging Taxpayers, Hurting Environment

‘Wa$ted Green' Report Documents Tax Credits & Spending Gone Wrong

ALBANY, NY (02/15/2008; 1221)(readMedia)-- What: Environmental Advocates of New York will release "Wasted Green: How Lost Revenue & State Spending Shortchange New York Taxpayers & the Environment" on Thursday, February 21, 2008. The report documents how the state is wasting taxpayer dollars and hurting New York’s environment by paying some polluters and being overly generous with tax credits.

The complete report will be released at the press conference and posted to www.eany.org at noon on February 21st.

Who: David Gahl, Environmental Advocates’ Policy Director, will speak to the report’s findings. Robert Moore, Environmental Advocates of New York’s Executive Director will be available to speak via telephone. Please call Erica Ringewald 518.210.9903 to speak with Rob Moore.

Where/When: 11 a.m. on February 21, 2008, LCA Press Room, Albany NY

Why: New York is facing a significant gap between the resources we need to run state government and the money we have to do it. The State Division of Budget says that the budget deficit is more than $4 billion in State Fiscal Year 2008-2009.

Because of the projected shortfall, and word from the Governor’s Office that it’s time for state agencies to “tighten their belts,” it’s more important than ever that New York rethink how we are spending taxpayer dollars and doling out tax credits.

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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©(3) is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. For more information call 518.462.5526 or visit www.eany.org.