Urge Governor Hochul to include a $500 million Environmental Protection Fund in this year’s budget
In 1993, the NYS Legislature created the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to provide a reliable and dedicated source of funding for essential environmental programs in NYS. EPF projects have invested over $3 billion in local communities to protect clean water, conserve open space, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, build community parks, support zoos, and more. These investments not only benefit our environment; they also help bolster our economy and support 350,000 jobs. For every $1 of EPF funds invested in land conservation, $7 in goods and services is returned to NYS. As we combat harmful algal blooms from nitrogen pollution, a solid waste crisis, climate change impacts and water quality impairments across our state, it is more important than ever to make crucial investments in environmental protection this year.
For the last six years, EPF funding has been stuck at $300 million. While this is a good start, EPF funding is meant to grow over time, and we cannot afford another year of stagnation. We need increased funding to support programs including climate resiliency measures, improving recycling, conserving open space, and protecting our oceans, estuaries, and Great Lakes. This year, we are urging Governor Hochul to include an historic $500 million EPF in the 2022-2023 budget and we need your help!
Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE