Highlighting the importance of a greener New York and the key races across the State this election season, the New York League of Conservation Voters hosted its 11th annual Spring Gala and honored those who have made environmental protection a priority.
"Celebrating a Greener New York," held on May 18 at Chelsea Piers, focused on the achievements of two leaders who have championed environmental initiatives on the state and federal levels: United State Congressman Sherwood Boehlert and John P. Cahill, chief of staff to Governor George Pataki. New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg served as the keynote speaker.
NYLCV was delighted to honor Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, who has helped shape New York as a national leader on environmental protection. He has led the way to increase corporate fuel economy standards, and just recently sponsored legislation that addresses the horrific environmental impacts of meth labs by establishing procedures and standards needed to decontaminate the site. In addition, he has consistently supported more open space and recreational facilities throughout the country, home energy savings, better flood control, redevelopment of land in inner cities, accelerated activity to stave off climate change, safer and healthier coastal waters, more abundant wildlife and, of course, cleaner air. The congressman, who recently announced his retirement, will be missed.
Cahill, the evening’s co-honoree, has advised the Pataki administration on a wide array of critical policy issues. Prior to his work as one of the Governor’s most trusted advisors, he served as Commissioner of the New York Department of Environmental Conservation from 1997 to 2001, and as chairman of the Environmental Facilities Corporation. He continues to work as the point person with Silverstein Properties, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and the City of New York on matters related to reconstruction at Ground Zero.
Mayor Bloomberg spoke about the importance of implementing conservation initiatives. He celebrated the success of past achievements such as land purchases to protect the city’s watershed, the creation of new city parks, and the Smoke-Free Air Act. The Mayor urged the crowd to view these victories as building blocks for continued progress in the creation of a "truly ‘sustainable city.’"
Describing his goal of building an agenda "that fosters responsible growth for the people of New York City today, while also preserving opportunity for our children tomorrow," Bloomberg emphasized the need to blend environmental, economic and social progress. To this end, he announced that 254 more taxi medallions would be required to use alternative fuel. He concluded his speech by unveiling a new sustainability agenda for New York City – an important priority for the League. A new sustainability task force and mandates for energy conservation and environmentally friendly design and construction sit at the heart of this new effort.
The honoree’s accomplishments and the Mayor’s plan for the future will go towards ensuring that "New York always remains a gateway to the future – a sustainable future – for centuries to come."