Good News Alert!
Photo Credits to iStock by Getty Images
Big Wins for the Environment in the NYS Budget!
Good news is very hard to find these days. That’s why we take great pleasure in providing you some very good news—the New York State budget has been finalized, and it is delivering major victories for our environment and public health! We are grateful to Governor Cuomo and legislative leaders for showing true leadership and continuing to lead on environmental protection during the current public health crisis.
CCE priorities in the final budget include:
$3 Billion Environmental Bond Act: This funding will help our communities become more resilient to the challenging impacts of climate change, including increased flooding and sea level rise, while also protecting and restoring our water resources. The Bond Act will need to be approved by the voters in November.
Ban on Styrofoam food packaging and packaging peanuts: Styrofoam litters our communities and threatens public health. There is no need to continue using this antiquated product when safe and environmentally friendly alternatives are readily available.
Permanent ban on fracking: While Governor Cuomo wisely instituted a regulatory ban on fracking in 2015, this permanent ban set in law will help ensure the dangerous process of fracking for gas will not be taken up by future administrations.
$500 million for clean water infrastructure: Increased investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure will not only protect our drinking water and reduce dangerous sewage overflows; it will help put thousands of New Yorkers to work.
Fully funding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $300 million: Since 1993, the EPF has been New York’s most important source of environmental funding, benefiting every community in the state. EPF projects protect drinking water, build community parks, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, and so much more.
While we celebrate full funding for our priority programs, we also remain grounded in the reality of our current situation, and recognize that adjustments may be made as the financial situation worsens throughout the year in New York State. We will remain vigilant in supporting these critical environmental programs, and will keep you informed every step of the way!
Thank you for your support! Together, we make a difference.
Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE
