Clean Energy, Sustainable Development
Are Key To New York's Future

NEW YORK - Gov. David Paterson's sustainability priorities, as outlined in his State of the State Address, highlight the tremendous economic and employment potential of renewable energy and sustainable development.

Gov. Paterson delivers his State of the State address."Green jobs, smart-growth development and clean energy are the lynchpins of a winning economic strategy for New York State," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "We applaud Governor Paterson for prioritizing these issues, and we look forward to working with the administration and the Legislature to reaping the environmental and economic benefits of a 21^st century clean-energy economy."

In his State of the State address, Governor Paterson outlined a three-prong sustainability strategy, which includes incentives for clean-energy businesses, a Climate Action Plan that aims to reduce global warming pollution 80 percent by the year 2050 and the Sustainable Neighborhoods Project, which encourages the revitalization of New York's cities.

Those priorities are echoed in the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund's 2010 New York State Policy Agenda, which will be released next week. The agenda will identify 10 steps that the state government can take this year to promote economic growth through sustainable development and clean energy. These steps can be taken at little or no cost, while creating meaningful employment as well as a healthier economy and environment.

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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.