FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2025
CONTACT: Jasmine Phillip, Clean+Healthy, jasmine@cleanhealthyny.org
100+ Earth Day Advocacy Day Advocates Call on NYS Legislators to Take Action on Key Bills
Urge action on Environmental Justice & Health, Lead Poisoning Prevention, Protecting Water Resources, Responsible Solid Waste Management, Clean Energy & Climate Justice
(ALBANY, N.Y.) Today, 29 Environmental organizations celebrated the 55th anniversary of Earth Day with their 5th annual Earth Day Advocacy Day at the New York State Capitol. Over 100 people from around New York State met with 54 legislators to advocate for passage of key environmental legislation across five broad themes:
Environmental Health & Justice
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Protecting Water Resources
Responsible Solid Waste Management
Clean Energy & Climate Justice.
Please see the full list of bills here.
"At a time when the federal administration is actively working to roll back environmental protections, it’s more urgent than ever for states to lead the way,” said Senator Harckham, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. “Here in New York, we are committed to advancing ambitious climate goals that protect public health, drive economic growth, and build a more resilient future. As Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, I’m proud to work with my colleagues to support and advance legislation that strengthens our communities and exemplifies New York’s role as a national leader in environmental stewardship."
Over 100 advocates joined together for a morning briefing featuring NYS legislators, statewide environmental organization activists, and Leady Pipe, a mascot depicting the horror of lead pipes. During the briefing, speakers rang the alarm on the need for the swath of key bills to be urgently passed. With the reduction of federal environmental protections, it’s imperative for New York to enact these bills, that benefit everyone, into law now so we don’t regret it later. Please see the full list of bills here.
“Earth Day serves as a critical yearly reminder of how we must ensure that future generations inherit a healthy and livable planet. With a federal administration that openly questions the legitimacy of climate science and an EPA seemingly more concerned about corporate profits rather than environmental protection, this Earth Day brings a heightened urgency to act,” said Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. “I look forward to working with my legislative colleagues and devoted advocates to reduce the crushing burden of plastic waste, get PFAS out of consumer goods, and remove toxic chemicals from personal care and beauty products, among a host of other important measures that will help keep our air, land, and water clean.”
Earth Day Advocacy Day attendees thanked Senator Harkham for sponsoring Earth Day Advocacy Day 2025 at the Capitol, and our 29 partners for helping this annual event continue to thrive. For the rest of the day, advocates spent time meeting with legislators in their offices discussing the priority set of bills.
“We are thrilled that Earth Day Advocacy Day is back for the 5th year in a row. We are proud to bring together organizations and advocates from across the state and bring attention to bills that will push positive change for New Yorkers and our environment,” said Gabrielle Gonzales, the Environmental Justice and Health Project Manager at Clean+Healthy. “Now more than ever, it is important for NYS Legislators to make our state a safe place for all; especially as the federal government has made it clear that they do not intend to protect us. We all deserve to live healthy lives without being saturated by toxic chemicals that poison us. Our water should be clean, our air should be fresh, our children should be healthy, our homes should be safe, and our bodies should never be harmed for industry greed.”
Environmental Justice & Health:
“I’m proud to stand alongside my legislative colleagues and advocates to push for key legislation that continues to protect our communities health and environment,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “The issues that these policies aim to address-access to clean water, prevention of lead poisoning, clean energy and climate change, provide a pathway forward for our collective progress. These aren’t just environmental challenges, they’re public health and equity issues too. I’ll continue fighting for policies that ensure every New Yorker has the right to clean air, safe water, and a healthy future.”
"Over just the last few months, the Trump administration has rolled back clean air and clean water protections, slashed critical research funding, begun to dismantle protections against harmful PFAS chemicals and denied the climate crisis at every turn," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF - Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing. "We cannot allow our climate to be further decimated by an administration dead set on protecting polluters - it is up to us to act. From safeguarding our water to combating pollution and continuing our efforts to expand clean energy and rid products of harmful chemicals, now is the time for New York State to take bold action and protect our planet for generations to come."
“Industries are regularly using toxic chemicals as ingredients in our everyday products that are known to harm our health and cause health problems like asthma, fertility issues, and cancer,” said Sophia Longsworth, Toxics Policy Director at Clean+Healthy, and co-leader of the JustGreen Partnership. “The intentional poisoning of consumers cannot continue, this should be an issue that everyone can agree on. We call on the New York State Legislature to act now to protect New Yorkers.”
“Exposure to cancer-causing chemicals should not be part of your morning routine. Your whitening toothpaste should not contain lead. Your hair dye should not contain coal tar. And your acne treatment should not contain benzene. Yet these and other harmful ingredients are found in many of the personal care products we apply to our bodies every day, with people of color facing the greatest exposure to them,” explained Briana Carbajal, State Legislative Manager at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “That is why we are meeting with state legislators, urging them to pass the Beauty Justice Act, which will ban these and other harmful ingredients from personal care products sold in New York State.”
Lead Poisoning Prevention:
“For decades, many parents in Buffalo and across New York only learn about the presence of lead paint in their home after their child tests positive for lead poisoning,” said Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera. “To reduce our persistently high lead poisoning rates, we have to detect and disclose lead hazards before children are exposed. Let’s make this Earth Day Advocacy Day the last one where lead poisoning presents a danger to our children by passing legislation like the three bills I’m currently working through the Assembly — A.1529, A.1067, A.0944. This legislation will ensure that landlords are held accountable to make repairs, educate and empower parents to take steps to protect their children, and help end the chronic lead exposure crisis in Buffalo and New York State.”
“Every year the legislature makes strides in further protecting New York communities and our state's environment. This year the environmental agenda is busy as usual and the stakes are high for public health and the planet," said Kate Donovan, Senior Attorney & Northeast Director of Environmental Health at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). "PFAS and lead in drinking water threaten New York communities; the plastic pollution and solid waste crises pose serious concerns; and affordable energy and implementation of the state's climate law is a top priority. With the right amount of political will, the legislature can make meaningful progress on all these issues before the session wraps."
Protecting Water Resources:
“New York leads the nation in protecting our environment and moving toward a more sustainable future,” said Senator Rachel May. “Our leadership is more critical than ever, especially as the Trump administration guts many federal programs that were designed to shield us from the ravages of climate change. As we celebrate Earth Day, let’s resist national pressure and continue our mission to protect New York’s natural resources.
"This comprehensive Earth Day agenda will safeguard our water quality, reduce solid waste, protect threatened species, and eliminate toxic chemicals. These are goals that deliver lasting benefits to both our environment and public health. As the federal administration works to dismantle key environmental protections, it’s more important than ever for New York to lead the way. We must act boldly at the state level to defend our environment, our health, and our future,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE). “One of the most transformative proposals, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, will reduce waste, boost recycling rates, save taxpayer dollars, and eliminate toxic chemicals from packaging. Equally important, banning PFAS in everyday consumer products will shield communities from the devastating health impacts of these dangerous 'forever chemicals.' Finally, protecting vulnerable species like the ancient horseshoe crab through the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act is critical to preserving biodiversity and the health of our coastal ecosystems. CCE is proud to stand with our fellow advocates, urging the New York State Legislature to seize this moment and lead the charge on environmental protection this Earth Day."
Responsible Solid Waste Management:
“At a time when federal protections are being dismantled and corporate interests are prioritized over life on our planet, it is up to states like New York to lead with courage and conviction to protect the environment. We all say we are building a better future for our children but if we want to prove it then we need to step up and make sure the water they are drinking isn’t contaminated with lead, microplastics, and other petroleum-based chemicals,” said Assemblymember Kelles, “We need to prioritize converting our buildings and transportation to electric and prioritize building renewable energy infrastructure rather than expanding natural gas pipelines. We need to pass legislation that minimizes plastics, pollutants, and greenhouse gases from products and services sold in NY markets and make sure that mega companies who sell in our state use sustainable practices. We are the 10th largest economy in the world so taking the lead on sustainability will have a global impact that can’t be ignored. In honor of Earth Day, let’s see this state show the world that we believe in more than just words, we make actions happen for our children and our planet.”
“Earth Day began as a response to a crisis, “said Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY. That’s where we are again. New York can't settle for nice words or half-measures; our moment calls for backbone, clarity, and an insistence that our environmental legacy won't be overwritten by those determined to erase it.”
Clean Energy & Climate Justice:
“In honor of Earth Day this year, let’s not just celebrate our planet, but truly honor her by enacting real legislative changes to help fight climate change,” said Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal. “From our bill to provide much needed environmental regulations to the fashion industry (S.4558B), to our legislation banning PFAS, a cancer-causing class of chemicals known to cause pollution (S.187A), to our efforts to require large corporations to publicly disclose details on their emissions (S.3456), there is so much more we can be doing to take care of our planet. Because of the dedicated work of groups like Clean + Healthy NY and the National Resources Defense Council, New York State has a chance to remain a leader in the efforts against climate change. Let’s embrace that role by passing these bills and taking care of our planet, not just for ourselves, but for many generations to come.”
"At a time when the health and wellbeing of New Yorkers is under attack from the Trump Administration, when environmental and health protections are being ripped away from us at the federal level, and when the US is retreating from taking action on the most significant threat humanity has ever faced, it is more important than ever that New York step up and take the bold, smart action that this moment demands,” said Senator Krueger. “We have six weeks left in this legislative session - let's get to work."
“New York has long led the way on bold environmental action, and Earth Day Advocacy Day is a powerful reminder of how critical that leadership remains,” said Assemblywoman Amy Paulin. “The voices of advocates from across the state are clear—we must take urgent steps to protect our environment, our health, and our future. I’m proud to stand with them in pushing for meaningful legislation that will make a lasting impact for all New Yorkers. A heartfelt thank you to Clean & Healthy New York for sponsoring this vital event and for their continued leadership in protecting public health.”
"New Yorkers share a vision to live sustainably, protect our planet, and cherish the beauty and abundance that Earth provides us,” said Assemblymember Chris Burdick. “Let’s celebrate Earth Day 2025 by recommitting to that shared vision. Happy Earth Day!"
"Our voices speak loudest when we speak as one. Bringing together this diverse coalition to support these important bills amplifies the voices of the millions of climate-conscious New Yorkers,” said Marguerite Wells, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy. “We appreciate each of our dedicated elected officials who have pledged to help fight the ongoing climate crisis."
“This Legislative Earth Day is shrouded in the Trump administration’s fear campaign, fueled by executive orders that seek to roll back our climate laws, defund clean water programs and create an environment where big polluters can profit in this self imposed chaos,” said Roger Downs, Conservation Director for the Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. “It is imperative that the NYS legislature fights back against these unconstitutional assaults and leads a path for the rest of the nation to follow - where equity, renewable energy and environmental protection are rightfully recognized as the true drivers of prosperous economies.”
“A strong economy depends on a healthy environment and citizenry,” said Bob Rossi, Executive Director of the New York Sustainable Business Council. “These bills stand to create purposeful jobs, drive innovation, and strengthen our local economies by safeguarding New Yorkers and the natural resources we depend on. Our business leaders call on the State Legislature to take action now.”
###
Earth Day Advocacy Day Sponsors: Alliance for a Green Economy (AGREE), Alliance for Clean Energy, NYBreast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clean+Healthy, Coalition to Prevent Lead Poisoning, EarthjusticeEnergy Democracy Alliance, Environmental Advocates New York , Families for, Lead Freedom Now!, JustGreen Partnership, Lead Free Kids NY, Moms for a Nontoxic NY, Natural Resources Defense Council , New York City Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice, New York Sustainable Business Council, New Yorkers for Clean PowerNY, League of Conservation Voters, NYSAAP, PFOAProject, NYRenewable Heat Now, Riverkeeper, Save the Sound, Seneca Lake Guardian, South Bronx Unite, Uniquely Free 2B Lead Free, Waterfront Alliance, WE ACT for Environmental Justice
Please note: This is a slate of issues collectively identified by sponsors of Earth Day Advocacy Day 2025 as representing a wide swath of the key environmental, environmental justice, and environmental health issues facing New York State. Not all coalition partners have taken positions on every bill including on this slate. Please reach out to individual organization for their position/s
