Despite the economic and political challenges facing Albany, the Assembly and Senate did come together this week for Earth Day to advance pro-environment legislation [1].

Sen. Antoine Thompson and Assemblyman Robert Sweeney played pivotal roles in advancing the Earth Day legislation.In some cases, bills passed one house but not the other. Yet overall, there was progress made.

Here's a look at some of the approved legislation:

• Establish a Rechargeable Battery Recycling Program [2]
• Inform Car Consumers with a Fuel Efficiency Guide [3]
• Establish an E-Waste Recycling Program [4]
• Limit Pesticide Use on Playing Fields in Schools and Daycare [5]
• Prohibit the State from Purchasing Non-Recycled Paper [6]
• and Map Cancer Rates [7]       

NYLCV President Marcia Bystryn applauded the Legislature for approving these Earth Day bills, and singled out Assemblyman Robert Sweeney [8] and Senator Antoine Thompson [9] -- who lead the Environmental Conservation Committees in their respective chambers -- for thanks.

"From safeguarding New York's children to improving the way we manage our solid waste, this package of Earth Day legislation is an important step toward a cleaner, more sustainable New York. We applaud Environmental Conservation Chairs Thompson and Sweeney, the leaders of both chambers and the sponsors of these bills for their commitment to protecting New York's air, water and natural heritage."