Two champions for Long Island's East End

WATER MILL --- The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV), which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, has announced its endorsement of Sen. Kenneth LaValle in Senate District 1 and Assembly Member Fred Thiele in Assembly District 1.

NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn with Assemblyman Fred Thiele and Sen. Kenneth LaValle."The efforts of Senator LaValle and Assembly Member Thiele to protect our environment have benefited their districts, Long Island and all of New York State," said NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn. "Their legislative track records demonstrate their commitment to advancing smart policies affecting our air, land, water and energy future. We are proud to support both of them and we look forward to even more positive environmental strides in the Senate and Assembly if they are re-elected.:

The state Legislature approved three important environmental initiatives this year that would not have passed without the strong support of Sen. LaValle and Assembly Member Thiele.

• Sen. LaValle and Assembly Member Thiele both co-sponsored the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Act, which increases public awareness of sewage discharge pollution in local waterways. By being notified of such discharges, citizens can make informed decisions about their recreational activities.
• Sen. LaValle and Assembly Member Thiele both authored legislation providing property tax exemptions for green buildings in an effort to promote energy-efficiency improvements to existing properties as well as to encourage new green construction.
• Sen. LaValle and Assembly Member Thiele both sponsored legislation regarding Watershed Protection Improvement Districts. The new law permits all town boards to create or extend watershed protection improvement districts, which help communities reduce sewage pollution, protect their drinking water and safeguard the quality of local waterways.

In addition to this year's environmental victories, the two legislators have a long history of leadership in this policy arena. Sen. LaValle was the chief architect of the landmark Pine Barrens Preservation Act, which protects critical drinking water resources and an irreplaceable wildlife habitat. Among a wide range of other environmental accomplishments, Assembly Member Thiele drafted and sponsored the Peconic Bay Community Preservation Fund Act, which allows East End towns to raise funds to protect this critical estuary.

In response to the endorsement, Sen. Kenneth LaValle said: "It is an honor to receive the support of the NYLCV. I fully intend to build upon my environmental record in the coming years and continue my role as an environmental steward."

Assembly Member Fred Thiele said: "I am honored to receive the support of the New York League of Conservation Voters. Throughout my political career, I have remained deeply committed to protecting the environmental health and integrity of the East End. As a member of the New York State Assembly, I look forward to the opportunity to work with the NYLCV in coming years to help further protect New York's environment and help grow the demand for green, clean-energy jobs."

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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.