Advocates Call on Legislators to Advance Key Bills as Part of Earth Day Advocacy Day
Urge Action on Energy Efficiency, Climate & Environmental Justice, Clean Water, Lead Poisoning Prevention, Waste Reduction and Toxics in Products
ALBANY, N.Y. - April 16, 2024 - As part of Earth Day Advocacy Day, close to 100 people from across the state met 50 legislators for in-person meetings at the Capitol and Legislative Office Building to call for the advancement of a package of environmental legislation. The advocacy day was sponsored by 27 environmental organizations. These policies, which will strengthen New York’s legacy as a national leader in environmental legislation.
Addressing Environmental Justice & Health
Lead Poisoning Prevention
Protecting Water Resources
Responsible Solid Waste Management
Clean Energy & Climate Justice
A full list of the bills being supported this Earth Day Advocacy Day can be found here.
“This Earth Day, we are elevating the urgency for the NYS Senate and Assembly to pass bills that address address siting of polluting facilities in environmental justice communities, lead poisoning of children in their homes, and toxic chemicals like PFAS in cosmetics, menstrual products, and everyday items,” said Sophia Longsworth, Toxics Policy Director of Clean+Healthy and coordinator of Earth Day Advocacy Day. “We look forward to the legislature taking meaningful action to continue to protect people and the environment, and maintain New York’s legacy as an environmental leader in the nation.”
“New York has some of the most comprehensive climate action goals in the country, but there is still so much more that we can do together to protect our planet and advance our communities toward a more sustainable future,” said Senator Pete Harckham, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. “We need to keep investing in cleaner air and safe drinking water supplies; and we need to reduce packaging waste and transition away from fossil fuel consumption. Every day must be a commitment to Earth Day for us to ensure our world is a healthy and habitable one.”
“This Earth Day we all must redouble our efforts to ensure a clean and green future for our planet. If enacted into law, this package of bills would have a transformative effect on the health of our environment. I am exceptionally eager to see the passage of my bills to drastically reduce packaging waste (A.5322); expand and improve the bottle bill (A.6353); and to remove harmful chemicals from personal care products (A.6969),” said Assemblymember Deborah Glick, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee. “These bills alone would dramatically curb the growth of landfills, greatly increase recycling rates, and remove many chemicals from products that make their way into our bodies through direct application. Bold action can no longer wait. We must act decisively this year not only for us, but so future generations inherit a livable planet.”
"Every day should be Earth Day. With a growing climate crisis, we cannot pause for one moment when it comes to environmental protection," said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF- Manhattan), Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing. "The presence of PFAS chemicals in the products we buy, the water we drink and the food we eat is a growing concern for many, but consumers are especially shocked to learn that these harmful chemicals are even in menstrual products. Not only does this present a threat to our personal health, it also causes lasting damage to our environment. I am proud to sponsor legislation to finally prohibit the use of PFAS and other harmful ingredients in menstrual products. I look forward to working with environmental champions to pass this bill into law, as well as a host of others to protect our waterways, reduce waste, expand the use of clean energy and ensure environmental justice."
"In commemoration of Earth Day, we once again come together globally in recognition of our collective environmental impact and our responsibility to step up as the stewards we must be to save the habit for our species and all others on earth,” said Assemmblymember Anna Kelles. “Bills included in this package — such as the PFAS Discharge Disclosure Act (A3296) to ensure we measure and report levels of one of the most toxic manmade modern chemicals, the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Fund (A9170) to help income qualifying families access home energy efficiency programs, and the Fashion Act (A4333) to create global environmental and labor standards for one of the largest unregulated industries in the world signify our unwavering commitment to responsible environmental conservation and stewardship. As one of the largest economies in the world, New York must continue to lead efforts that will enact crucial policies and pave the way for a more sustainable and green future for all."
“As Earth Day approaches, we’re reminded about the urgency of passing legislation at the state level to protect our water supply, make our society energy efficient and prepare our communities for climate migration,” said Assemblymember Jon D. Rivera. “I am proud to carry two bills (A01687 and A04820) that will better protect New Yorkers from exposure to lead-based paint by closing key insurance loopholes and mandating more transparency in real estate transactions. No mother should have to be concerned that the paint in a new apartment could drastically alter her child’s development and potentially inhibit them for life. It’s far past time that the state took a proactive approach to both protecting those renting from landlords, while simultaneously lowering their risk of financial liability as a result of lead exposure.”
"For too long, working class neighborhoods of color across New York have borne the brunt of toxic pollution. I'm proud that my bill requiring enhanced public participation when large polluting facilities try to site in disadvantaged communities is part of this vital Earth Day package. We can and must take action now to address public health, protect our water, and invest in climate justice," said Assemblymember Emily Gallagher.
“This is advocacy in action! To celebrate Earth Day, advocates from across the state joined in Albany to call on the State Legislature to pass some of the most critical environmental bills in New York. This comprehensive legislative agenda to protect our water quality, reduce solid waste, and eliminate toxics will immensely improve the health of our environment and every New Yorker.” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE). “Enacting the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act will reduce waste, increase recycling, save taxpayers money, and protect our treasured waters. Additionally, removing PFAS from common everyday products will protect our health and environment from the harmful effects of “forever chemicals.” CCE is proud to stand with our environmental colleagues and advocates in calling on the New York State Legislature to take action on these issues and more this Earth Day!”
“As we commemorate Earth Day 2024, the reality that our Earth is in danger has never been more clear,” said Deb Peck Kelleher, interim executive director at The Alliance for Clean Energy New York. “We applaud the members of the New York Legislature who work to advance environmental policies that will protect the Earth for us and for future generations. There are countless things we can do to improve the health of the environment including making it easier to build out our renewable energy future, but the bills presented as part of the Earth Day Advocacy 2024 priorities will make a noticeable difference in this fight.”
"New Standard Institute is proud to join a broad and powerful coalition advocating for the future for New Yorkers. This may be the most important time in history and we're looking for leadership," said Maxine Bedat, Director of New Standard Institute. “New York is the 10th largest economy in the world and the capital of fashion in the United States. Our clothes are not only creating 6 times the climate emissions than the entire state, they are also riddled with dangerous chemicals, including PFAS. New York has the opportunity with the FashionAct A4333 /S4746 to set common sense rules in one of the least regulated industries. Setting these rules is not only the right thing to do, it also sets the conditions for significant investment in the New York economy."
“You simply can't talk about or celebrate Earth Day without addressing PFAS. These toxic and persistent chemicals have invaded every corner of our planet, and practically every person on it. Given the loads of science and health data has shown even low levels of exposure can be harmful, NYS needs to step up to further safeguard all children and families, and stop the sources of exposures,” said Loreen Hackett, founder of the PFOAProject NY. “The PFAS bills that are in this session address these, as well as follow other states who have already passed similar. I can't fathom, not for one second, any excuse anymore for them not to pass. With what is known, it should be absolutely unacceptable for families to continue being poisoned by these bioaccumulative toxins.”
"Earth Day is a time to focus on protecting New York communities, safeguarding our natural resources for future generations, and doing all we can to address the numerous environmental crises of today. PFAS chemicals, plastic pollution, and the climate crisis all deserve the legislature's utmost attention for meaningful action this session,” said Kate Donovan, Northeast Director of Environmental Health at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). "Chief among these concerns is the wide-spread exposure to the PFAS chemicals in New York State because they are prevalent in water, soil, air, and in everyday household items like furniture, make-up, and cleaning solutions – and that needs to change.”
“A strong economy depends on a healthy environment and citizenry, and the 2024 Earth Day bills represent much needed progress on both. These bills stand to drive innovation, create jobs, protect the climate, and strengthen local economies by supporting small business and safeguarding New Yorkers. Our business leaders call on the State Legislature to take action now,” said Bob Rossi, Executive Director of the New York Sustainable Business Council
“New York State, like much of the world, is at the convergence of a climate, extinction and forever-chemical contamination crisis. As the 10th largest economy in the world, New York has significant influence over how the rest of the planet rises to the challenge of these unfolding catastrophes, if we choose to act,” said Roger Downs, Conservation Director, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "Earth Day Advocacy Day is the perfect opportunity for the NYS Legislature to put environmental and public health solutions into action. We urge the Senate and Assembly not to waste the precious time we have left in the legislative session to pass initiatives that will end the scourge of toxic chemicals, protect our remaining wild areas, advance our climate goals and help create healthier and more equitable communities.”
Vanessa Fajans-Turner, Executive Director of Environmental Advocates NY, said, “On Earth Day we reflect on how we interact with our environment on a day-to-day basis and must take decisive steps to make our interactions more sustainable and healthy for all. We have a chance now to make it easier and cheaper for individuals and cities across NY State to reduce their waste and costs for processing fossil fuel-based plastic products by passing the historic Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act. This act, part of a comprehensive strategy to build a sustainable, resilient, and environmentally just NY, reduces the staggering 6.8 million tons of packaging waste we generate annually and mends our broken recycling system to prevent litter from ending up in our streets, rivers, and oceans. We hope all of NY's elected officials will make it a priority to honor Earth Day this year by passing this bill and making history."
"Earth Day is an opportunity to call attention to the environmental threats we face, but the impacts of climate change and other environmental hazards are not felt equally, with communities of color and low-income being the hardest hit," explained Elizabeth Reyes, Toxics Policy Campaigns Coordinator at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. "That is why we are meeting with our New York State legislators to leverage this opportunity to advocate for bills like Enhanced Public Participation, which will help reduce the disparate amounts of pollution these New Yorkers face and give them a greater voice in what sources of pollution are being brought into their community, and the Beauty Justice Bill, which will ban the most toxic chemicals found in personal care products, with people of color typically having the highest rates of cosmetics usage.”
Qiana Mickie, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Urban Agriculture: "As Executive Director of the NYC Mayor's Office of Urban Agriculture, I am here in Albany today to advocate for innovative nature-based solutions that can address costly impacts of climate change while increasing food production and climate resiliency in our neighborhoods. Green roofs can not only mitigate urban heat island effect, but roofs with both solar panels and agriculture production can produce even more co-benefits such as absorbing stormwater to use to irrigate crops, generate renewable energy, and improve air quality, all in the same location. Ensuring water supply access to more urban gardeners at no cost will support increased food production and vibrant greenspaces in NYC communities that need it the most.”
Elijah Hutchinson, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice: "The NYC Mayor's Office of Climate & Environmental Justice is proud to stand with statewide partners in Albany this Earth Month as we highlight the urgent need to accelerate New York's transition to clean energy off fossil fuels, including natural gas, while keeping energy affordable. MOCEJ supports the Packaging Reduction & Recycling Infrastructure Act, which would hold polluters accountable and remove plastics from our environment, and the renewal of the Green Roof Tax Abatement, an essential tool for mitigating stormwater and extreme heat in disadvantaged communities. As the city's recently released Environmental Justice NYC Report outlines, climate change threatens to exacerbate environmental disparities facing communities of color and low-income New Yorkers. Together, we can ensure a healthy, climate-resilient future for all New Yorkers.”
Said Andrew Williams, Deputy Director for State Policy at NYLCV: NYLCV works day in and day out with dedicated advocates across the state to advance policies that fight climate change, protect our environment, and prioritize public health; it's how we achieve our goals. That's why "stronger together" is our mantra and it's why we're so proud to stand hundreds-strong with our partners as we take our message directly to lawmakers on Earth Day Advocacy Day.
“A decade after New York banned fracking and five years after the passage of the CLCPA, New York utilities are still spending billions on fracked gas infrastructure and subsidizing the expansion of the gas system on the backs of ratepayers,” said Lisa Marshall, Director of Organizing and Advocacy at New Yorkers for Clean Power. “This is a travesty. 1.4 million households in New York are spending more than 6% of income on energy bills and this number will continue to go up until protections are put in place. The New York HEAT Act, the Green Affordable Pre-Electrification Fund and the Enhanced Geothermal Tax Credit are three bills that should be included in this year’s budget to begin to tackle the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector and providing much needed energy bill relief to NY families and seniors while creating 100,000 new family sustaining jobs. Governor Hochul, Speaker Heastie, and Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins should celebrate Earth Day by passing a climate budget.”
“Earth Day is not just a reminder of how important it is that we protect our planet for the next generation, but of how much we can do to improve our lives on it today,” said Jessica Azulay, Director of Alliance for a Green Economy. “New York can lead the way forward through bills like the GAP Fund, which will remove toxic materials from thousands of homes in order to enable upgrades to safer and more affordable clean energy systems, and the NY HEAT Act, which will end outdated laws forcing New Yorkers to burn fracked gas and enable a transition to the cleaner heat and lower bills we need now.”
Liz Moran, New York Policy Advocate for Earthjustice, said, “This Earth Day comes on the heels of the news that the globe just experienced the 10th month in a row to break global average temperatures. The climate crisis is only worsening, and last year New Yorkers felt it acutely with smoke-filled skies, unprecedented flooding, heat waves, and higher utility bills. On top of this, New Yorkers still have aging water infrastructure, toxic contaminants in their homes and environment, and a solid waste crisis to contend with. This Earth Day, New Yorkers need the Governor and the Legislature to pass bold policies that ensure affordable energy, protects public health, and accelerates our path towards a truly zero-emissions future for all New Yorkers.”
###
Earth Day Advocacy Day Sponsors: Adirondack Council, Alliance for a Green Economy, Alliance for Clean Energy NY, Breast Cancer Coalition of Rochester, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Clean+Healthy, Earthjustice, Environmental Advocates New York, Flatley Read, Green Inside And Out, Heart of the City, Moms for a Nontoxic New York, Natural Resources Defense Council, Newburgh Clean Water Project, New Standard Institute, New York Clinicians for Climate Action, New York League of Conservation Voters, New York State American Academy of Pediatrics, New York Sustainable Business Council, New Yorkers for Clean Power, PFOAProject NY, Renewable Heat Now, Riverkeeper, Save the Sound, Seneca Lake Guardian, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter, and WE ACT for Environmental Justice.
Please note: This is a slate of issues collectively identified by the sponsors of Earth Day Advocacy Day 2024 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 included on this slate. Please reach out to individual organizations for their position/s.
