New York, NY --- The New York League of Conservation Voters, the nonpartisan voice for New York's environmental community, welcomed today's passage of the New York City Climate Protection Act by the City Council.

The legislation (Intro 20-A) requires the city to meet two climate reduction goals: to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from city operations by at least 30 percent by the year 2017, and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions citywide (including from homes and businesses) by at least 30 percent by the year 2030. Mayor Michael Bloomberg supports and is expected to approve the bill, which codifies climate-change goals set forth in PlaNYC.

"This legislation puts New York City in the vanguard among the nation's cities," said Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "This bill proves that New York City is not just talking the talk, we are walking the walk, by setting ambitious yet achievable targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. We applaud Speaker Christine Quinn and the City Council for taking serious action on one of the most pressing concerns of our time."

The Climate Protection Act will achieve greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide) reductions through a blend of mandatory, market-based and voluntary approaches. The city is already implementing some measures, including the planting of carbon dioxide-absorbing trees and new building codes that will create more energy-efficient buildings. Future steps include creating a market for renewable energies through guaranteed purchasing contracts, creating a New York City Energy Planning Board, encouraging transit-oriented development and championing a congestion pricing plan to reduce dependence on fossil-fuel burning vehicles. In addition, the City Council is currently examining legislation to increase the use of biofuels as a heating source. 

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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.