As we speak, our senators and assembly members in Albany are debating the largest and most ambitious environmental bond act in New York State history. This $3 billion dollar investment would modernize the state’s water infrastructure, improve public health, reduce flood risks, and enhance the quality of life for millions of people.
But this historic measure to protect New York from the effects of climate change won’t pass without your help! Tell your state legislators to support the Environmental Bond Act today!
The Environmental Bond Act isn’t just a smart move for the environment, it’s also a smart play for the economy. The passage of an Environmental Bond Act would inject billions of dollars into the economy and support more than 65,000 jobs in New York. It would also fund priorities, such as natural infrastructure projects, to restore wetlands and shorelines and to provide a vital buffer for communities from hurricane storm surge and sea level rise.
These efforts will help us build a more resilient, equitable and prosperous future for all New Yorkers. If enacted, the Environmental Bond Act will not only ensure New Yorkers have safe water to drink and clean air to breath but will:
- Invest in environmental justice by ensuring 35% of funding goes to communities of color that have, and continue to, suffer disproportionately from flood risk, air pollution, exposure to toxins, and lack of green space and clean water
- Expand open space and restore natural habitats by creating parks, protecting family farms, revitalizing waterfronts, and restoring habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.
- Reduce climate risks by reducing harmful pollution and protecting communities from the growing risks of climate change such as sea level rise, flooding, extreme heat, and food and water shortages.
The time to act is now. Tell your representatives to invest in our environment and support the Environmental Bond Act.
Thank you for your leadership,Mark W. Rupp
Director, State-Federal Policy & Affairs, Ecosystems