Scenic Hudson Statement on New York’s Decision Not to Place the Environmental Bond Act on the November 2020 Ballot
CONTACT:
Ned Sullivan, President, 914 489 4630
Andy Bicking, Director of Public Policy, 914 489 1568
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
HUDSON VALLEY—Today Scenic Hudson released the following statement from President Ned Sullivan on the news that the Environmental Bond Act has been removed from the November 2020 ballot:
“Governor Andrew Cuomo and his Director of Budget have decided not to certify the proposed Environmental Bond Act and place it on the November 2020 ballot. We are disappointed by this decision; however, we understand and respect the action in the context of the state’s dire fiscal condition—in the absence of federal leadership to provide relief to state and local governments during the COVID-19 crisis.
“The Bond Act would have represented a win-win-win for our economy, our environment and the well-being of New York’s communities. Fortunately, the governor has stated that he will revisit his proposal.
“Governor Cuomo has a strong track record of supporting the State’s Environmental Protection Fund and investments to safeguard and protect clean water. We call on him to maintain these critical investments in supporting and improving the state’s environment and the green infrastructure that will both create and maintain jobs, public health and our natural resources.
“As the environmental community collectively moves forward in this challenging moment, Scenic Hudson is committed to collaborating with New York State to identify environmental priorities that will generate jobs, create new parks, safeguard drinking water, protect communities from certain damage due to climate change and invest in environmental justice communities most impacted by pollution.
“I firmly believe we can work together to make a better world in response to the pandemic, the economic downturn and a growing understanding of environmental racism. Scenic Hudson is committed to bringing together the people and organizations at the heart of the Hudson Valley’s health and prosperity to take concrete actions to make this vision a reality. We look forward to collaborating with the governor, Legislature and local communities to chart a path forward.”
–30–
