Environmental Protection Fund
is increased to $255 milllion

NEW YORK -- The New York League of Conservation Voters, the nonpartisan voice for New York's environmental community, today applauded the Assembly, Senate and Gov. David Paterson for finalizing a state budget that maintains environmental funding despite the challenging economic environment.

The New York State Fiscal Year 2009 budget increases the Environmental Protection Fund to $255 million from $250 million. A "sweep" of $125 million to the general fund was maintained. Each house proposed language to require a repayment plan, but unfortunately neither proposal was included in the final legislation. The EPF provides vital support to preserve open space and farmland, maintain parks and recreation facilities and improve recycling and solid waste programs.

The final budget includes $95 million in new capital dollars for state parks. Combined with other commitments, the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will have a capital budget of $132 million. These funds will improve park facilities around the state, particularly in upstate communities where it is hoped that recreational opportunities will advance economic revitalization efforts.

The budget also renews a tax credit for the use of biofuels as a heating source. The use of bioheat drastically reduces the levels of pollutants produced and, by providing a credit of up to a 20 cents per gallon used, this tax credit incentivizes the market for bioheat here in New York.

The Bigger, Better Bottle Bill was not included in the final budget, but may be taken up later in the session.

"Given the challenges facing New York's economy, we heartily applaud the Assembly, Senate and the Governor's Office for their continued commitment to our environment," said Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "We look forward to working with our partners in state government in the coming months to reform our power-plant siting and brownfields laws, and we will continue to advocate for more environmental funding in the next budget."

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The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy-making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State.