THREE CHEERS: Victories for the Environment and the Hudson Valley in NY State Budget

We did it!

For the past several months, Scenic Hudson has been working with members like you and our allied organizations to persuade lawmakers that environmental funding is too important to fall victim to budget cuts. We're very pleased to report that the budget that was passed earlier today contains some very good news:

The new budget includes enough EPF funding to allow important environmental programs to remain effective.

We saved the EPF

The budget includes a $222 million Environmental Protection Fund, fueled by revenues from the existing Real Estate Transfer Tax. In addition, the budget prohibits the state from "sweeping" money out of the EPF and into the general fund.

We saved the Greenway

The Hudson River Valley Greenway will be an important voice for promoting smart growth in our region.

We expanded the bottle bill

Adding a 5 cent deposit to bottled water products will reduce litter on our waterfronts and roadsides.

Every member of the Hudson Valley Delegation worked hard to support clean drinking water, preserve our magnificent natural landscapes and waterfronts and protect our working farms.
Our heartfelt thanks to these committed lawmakers -- and to you, our Scenic Hudson members who sent e-mails and made phone calls in support of this funding. See this press statement for more information.