The elevation of David Paterson to the governorship puts into the executive mansion a talented lawmaker who has a reputation for forging bipartisan solutions. But the timing of Mr. Paterson's transition begs an important question: What will happen with the state budget and complex issues like congestion pricing that not only demand tough, bold leadership but also must be wrapped up by March 31?

As lieutenant governor, Paterson made conservation and renewable energy his signature issues. But the governor's responsibilities are far more complex, and Mr. Paterson will now have the opportunity to show he can rise to the occasion by championing congestion pricing, keeping the environmental protection fund intact and forging consensus on reforming the state's brownfields and power-plant siting laws.

Faced with these and other pressing concerns, New York cannot afford to have a caretaker government. The ball is in Gov. Paterson's court - and indeed, the court of all our state leaders - to show us what kind of leaders they will be.

Marcia Bystryn

Executive Director

New York League of Conservation Voters