Advocacy

On November 8 the voters of NY State overwhelmingly approved the #NYBondAct by a margin of 67 to 33%.

We are proud to have played a small role in support of this initiative that will improve the health and well-being of New Yorkers for generations to come.

We support passage of The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022

All New Yorkers should be aware of a special referendum on the ballot this November 8 because it has the potential to make our state a better place to live and work. Your help is needed to publicize it, aid in its passage, and explain to others what the success of this ballot measure means for the future.

After a 25 year hiatus, an environmental bond act, Proposal 1, will appear on the ballot.  The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022 has the potential to profoundly affect how we meet our climate goals for the economy and state, preserve land and open space, and make our air and water cleaner.

Here is the wording as it appears on the ballot:

To address and combat the impact of climate change and damage to the environment, the "Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022" authorizes the sale of state bonds up to four billion two hundred million dollars to fund environmental protection, natural restoration, resiliency, and clean energy projects. Shall the Environmental Bond Act of 2022 be approved?

The $4.2 billion authorized by a successful referendum will be allocated to make environmental improvements as follows:

Not less than $1.1 billion for restoration and flood risk reduction. This is very important in view of the increasing incidence of extreme weather events and sea level rise already occurring due to climate change.

Up to $650 million for open space land conservation and recreation. NY is blessed with  beautiful natural gifts that are worthy of preservation for the enjoyment of future generations. Much farmland will also be protected.

Up to $1.5 billion for climate change mitigation.  Retrofitting public buildings, green school buses, and air quality improvement measures will promote health and energy efficiency. Planting trees, repairing roads and developing clean energy sources will help us prepare for the future.

Not less than $650 million for water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure.  This includes replacing lead pipe infrastructure, maintaining water treatment plants and updating water and sewer lines.

Perhaps the most far-reaching major impacts of the Bond Act are three-fold.  One is the potential for the creation of up to 100,000 jobs for New Yorkers. This will boost the economy and aid in our transition to a greener world. The second is the opportunity to address environmental injustice in disadvantaged communities that have historically been neglected and have not had equal access to clean air and water.  The third, of course, is the salutary effect that clean air, water, green infrastructure and access to open space will have on public health in New York State. This Bond Act has great potential to make NY an even better place to live and work, for us, our children and our grandchildren.

Your support for this Bond Act is crucial. It is a non-partisan initiative and will aid New Yorkers from all backgrounds and communities.  It is supported by a coalition of over 200 organizations of all stripes.

To learn more, visit VoteYesCleanWaterandJobs.com and Ballotpedia.org.

This Act has great potential to improve the lives of New Yorkers, helps us prepare for the future, addresses past injustice, and will ensure a healthier environment for future generations.

Look your ballot over and Vote Yes on Proposition 1 this November 8. Do it for the kids. And NY State.