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Call it an environmental two-for-one.

Thursday, Dec. 6 is not only the date of NYLCV's Celebrating a Greener Skyline [1] fall benefit, it is also a milestone that will mark the official launch of our New York City Chapter [1].

As you are reading this newsletter, we are putting the final touches on what is shaping up to be an exciting reception, to be celebrated at the vaunted auction house, Christie's [2]. We've lined up an impressive roster of guests, including honorees David and Jed Walentas, of Two Trees Management Company LLC [3]. The Walentas' development firm has nearly single-handedly revitalized the Brooklyn neighborhood of DUMBO, and over the past four decades, David and Jed Walentas have successfully developed or rehabilitated more than 5,000 apartments and three million square feet of office and retail space throughout the United States.

We will also pay special tribute to our former board member Harvey Schultz [3], who passed away on Sept. 6. Schultz was widely respected for his decades-long work on environmental issues and for his planning vision that ultimately transformed downtown Brooklyn into a vibrant community. In addition, we are thrilled to have Deputy Mayor Dan Doctoroff [4], who oversees the Big Apple's economic development and rebuilding, as our keynote speaker.

These boldface names and our many supporters will be joining us at a pivotal time for the League. We will be launching an ambitious grassroots operation in New York City to elect environmentally-minded candidates in 2008 and especially 2009 -- when almost every New York City elected office will be vacant because of term limits. The goal of our newly-minted New York City Chapter will be to identify and mobilize 100,000 eco-voters in the Big Apple.

To fulfill this ambitious plan, we have recruited former City Councilman Ken Fisher [5], who has helped us assemble a bipartisan, ethnically and geographically diverse New York City board, including activists, political operatives and environmental practitioners. Currently a partner at the law firm WolfBlock, Fisher was one of the state's top election lawyers and political strategists prior to serving in the City Council from 1991 to 2001. “The time has come for the environmental movement to flex its electoral muscles," Fisher says. “We can all talk about fighting climate change, but it will remain just that – talk – if we don't elect people who will actually make the right decisions."

NYLCV's decision to green-light this initiative comes at a time when the environment is high on the political agenda. In October, former Vice President Al Gore and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change shared the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts on global warming. In New York City, Mayor Michael Bloomberg has made sustainability one of the centerpieces of his administration with PlaNYC. [6]

The organization's new, aggressive approach was tested in last month's elections, where NYLCV targeted mayoral races in Yonkers and Schenectady, and the town supervisor race in Brookhaven. In just three months, the League raised over $100,000, and sent nearly 100,000 pieces of mail in three targeted races. All of our candidates won.

“Voters want action on the environment and they are taking that sentiment to the polling booth,” said Marcia Bystryn, executive director of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “Now we are building on this year’s momentum, to ensure the environment is a top voting priority in New York City and across the state in the years to come.”

If you haven't already purchased your tickets for Thursday's Celebrating a Greener Skyline reception, click here [6], or contact Development Director Hilary Wilkes at (212) 361-6350, ext. 204.