Tell NY State Legislators to Unlock Environmental Funding
- by: Scenic Hudson
WE'RE ALMOST THERE - with the help of the State Legislature, New York can make a $200 Million investment in a healthy environment. But these next two weeks are critical for securing this funding - we need your voice before the current legislative session ends!
Thanks to the past support of Governor George Pataki and the Legislature, investments in New York's environment have helped make the Hudson Valley a healthier, more beautiful place to live.
In recent years, however, spending has remained flat despite significant increased need for environmental protection. Right now, with your help, we can start to reverse this trend. Please urge your state legislators to finalize the $200 million environmental protection fund (EPF).
Earlier this year, the Governor, Senate and Assembly all agreed that an expanded $200 million EPF should be enacted as part of the budget. HOWEVER, this agreement has not been finalized due to wholly unrelated disagreements between the parties.
Finalizing the EPF will not affect the state's fiscal condition or other issues, because the EPF is financed by the State's dedicated real estate transfer taxthe money is there and is dedicated for use by the EPF.
So, despite all parties agreeing to support New York's dedicated environmental trust fund, and as a result of issues unrelated to the environment, a three-way EPF resolution has so far been impossible and the release of funds needed and available for clean water, clean air, public health and the environment is blocked.
Please sign this petition to contact your state Senator and Assembly member and urge them to forcefully advocate with the legislative leadership for $200 million in funding for the EPF!
Thanks to the past support of Governor George Pataki and the Legislature, investments in New York's environment have helped make the Hudson Valley a healthier, more beautiful place to live.
In recent years, however, spending has remained flat despite significant increased need for environmental protection. Right now, with your help, we can start to reverse this trend. Please urge your state legislators to finalize the $200 million environmental protection fund (EPF).
Earlier this year, the Governor, Senate and Assembly all agreed that an expanded $200 million EPF should be enacted as part of the budget. HOWEVER, this agreement has not been finalized due to wholly unrelated disagreements between the parties.
Finalizing the EPF will not affect the state's fiscal condition or other issues, because the EPF is financed by the State's dedicated real estate transfer taxthe money is there and is dedicated for use by the EPF.
So, despite all parties agreeing to support New York's dedicated environmental trust fund, and as a result of issues unrelated to the environment, a three-way EPF resolution has so far been impossible and the release of funds needed and available for clean water, clean air, public health and the environment is blocked.
Please sign this petition to contact your state Senator and Assembly member and urge them to forcefully advocate with the legislative leadership for $200 million in funding for the EPF!
Subject line: Please Lead the Push to Finalize the EPF!
Dear Legislator:
The protection of clean air, water and natural lands in New York state are in jeopardy, and I call on you to do everything within your power to resolve the impasse over the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
While we applaud you and your colleagues for passing many budget bills on time, the EPF--the primary source of funding for the state's environmental initiatives--remains unfunded and incomplete.
Both houses of the legislature and the Governor have said they support the environmental protection funding at a $50 million increase over last year's budget, for a total of $200 million--but the fund is being held hostage in your ongoing negotiations over wholly unrelated items.
It is unacceptable for the Governor and the legislature to consider the budget complete until the $200 million EPF appropriation is complete. It also is unacceptable that as a result of issues unrelated to the environment, the Legislature is unwilling to approve a standalone $200 million EPF. Until such action is taken, available funds needed for clean water, clean air, our health and the environment can't be released.
The EPF is a dedicated fund financed by the state's real estate transfer tax. While appropriating EPF funds will not have any effect on the state's fiscal plan, not appropriating the funds would have a huge effect on the environment.
During this standoff, the protection of critical habitats and waterways, places of great importance to people who live and work in all parts of New York, are in limbo. Consider the Hudson Valley, the Hudson River, and its tributaries without environmental protection. Local governments rely on the EPF to advance the protection of working farms and vital natural habitats, clean water and air, and to unlock public access to long-neglected waterfronts. The EPF has supported land preservation projects from Westchester and Rockland counties all the way upriver to Saratoga and Washington counties.
So, it is imperative that you work to convince your leadership to approve an itemized three-way EPF. It is positive that the Governor has taken a step in your direction, and now the ball is in the Legislature's court to deliver this vital program for the benefit of all New Yorkers.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
Sign PetitionSign PetitionDear Legislator:
The protection of clean air, water and natural lands in New York state are in jeopardy, and I call on you to do everything within your power to resolve the impasse over the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).
While we applaud you and your colleagues for passing many budget bills on time, the EPF--the primary source of funding for the state's environmental initiatives--remains unfunded and incomplete.
Both houses of the legislature and the Governor have said they support the environmental protection funding at a $50 million increase over last year's budget, for a total of $200 million--but the fund is being held hostage in your ongoing negotiations over wholly unrelated items.
It is unacceptable for the Governor and the legislature to consider the budget complete until the $200 million EPF appropriation is complete. It also is unacceptable that as a result of issues unrelated to the environment, the Legislature is unwilling to approve a standalone $200 million EPF. Until such action is taken, available funds needed for clean water, clean air, our health and the environment can't be released.
The EPF is a dedicated fund financed by the state's real estate transfer tax. While appropriating EPF funds will not have any effect on the state's fiscal plan, not appropriating the funds would have a huge effect on the environment.
During this standoff, the protection of critical habitats and waterways, places of great importance to people who live and work in all parts of New York, are in limbo. Consider the Hudson Valley, the Hudson River, and its tributaries without environmental protection. Local governments rely on the EPF to advance the protection of working farms and vital natural habitats, clean water and air, and to unlock public access to long-neglected waterfronts. The EPF has supported land preservation projects from Westchester and Rockland counties all the way upriver to Saratoga and Washington counties.
So, it is imperative that you work to convince your leadership to approve an itemized three-way EPF. It is positive that the Governor has taken a step in your direction, and now the ball is in the Legislature's court to deliver this vital program for the benefit of all New Yorkers.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address]
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