NYLCV joined 14 other public policy, environmental, transportation and energy groups in compiling this to-do list for Gov. Cuomo & the NYS LegislaturePublic policy, environmental, transportation and energy groups today released a green to-do list for Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.

Green Memos to the Governor & the State Legislature includes proposals designed to bolster economic development while addressing New York's high profile environmental challenges, including hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, reducing energy use and providing resources for the state's environmental agencies.

In his public statements and documents, Gov. Cuomo has noted the link between thoughtful environmental policy and economic development. Green Memos describes how to construct those links. For instance, in the fight to reduce climate-altering pollution, creating policies that support the growth of legitimate renewable energy systems can generate new jobs, as documented in other states. Fixing the state's incentives to clean up contaminated brownfields can help communities rebuild. But shortsighted decisions, such as ignoring inspections of hazardous waste generating facilities or cutting staff charged with responding to oil spills could result in long-term burdens for New York's taxpayers.

The Green Memos include proposals to protect New York from dangerous hydraulic fracturing for natural gas; prevent harmful water withdrawals; rebuild the state's environmental agencies; restore the Environmental Protection Fund; reduce disposable bag use; create livable communities; strengthen the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; invest in solar energy; reform the Public Service Commissioner; improve and finalize the State Climate Action Plan; clean up and redevelop contaminated brownfields; and require the disclosure of cleaning product ingredients. 

Please refer to each memo for the list of endorsing organizations. The groups releasing Green Memos to the Governor & the State Legislature: Advice from New York State's Environmental Organizations include the Adirondack Council, Adirondack Mountain Club, American Lung Association in New York, Audubon New York, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Empire State Future, Environmental Advocates of New York, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, New York League of Conservation Voters, New York Public Interest Research Group, Pace Energy & Climate Center, Sierra Club-Atlantic Chapter, The Nature Conservancy New York, and the Tri-State Transportation Campaign.