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Contact: Sean Mahar
Audubon New York
518-253-7000 (cell)

Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney Awarded Audubon New York's Prestigious William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award
Chair of Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee Honored for Environmental Leadership

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY March 28, 2009 - Audubon New York and the Audubon Council of New York State held its Spring Audubon Assembly at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, NY from March 27-29, 2009. In addition to finalizing their annual conservation agenda, members were treated to a presentation by renowned author and Bird Watcher Kenn Kaufman, who spoke about bird conservation in coffee producing regions of the world.

This year, Audubon New York and the Audubon Council of New York State selected Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), as the 2009 recipient of the William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award, named in honor of the popular environmental advocate who passed away in 1992 while serving in the State Assembly. This award is presented annually to an elected official in recognition for work above and beyond the normal call of duty to advance critical solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. Assemblyman Sweeney, Chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, was chosen for his steadfast leadership on critical environmental issues including; preserving the Environmental Protection Fund, the Bigger, Better Bottle Bill, Wetlands protection, and securing passage of the Great Lakes Compact.

"Assemblyman Robert Sweeney has quickly become an unstoppable force for protecting the environment in Albany, and we are thrilled to present this important award to such a deserving and dedicated environmentalist," said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York. "Whether it's protecting the Environmental Protection Fund or fighting global warming, in his short tenure as chair of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, Assemblyman Sweeney has distinguished himself as a true environmental leader, and one ready to usher in a new era of environmental change in the state."

"Assemblyman Robert Sweeney exemplifies what every state legislator should do to protect the environment," said John Hannan, Chair of the Audubon Council of New York State. "Assemblyman Sweeney's efforts to protect and preserve New York's open space resources, and conserve the biodiversity of our state are one of a kind, and I am delighted to give this award to such a progressive environmentalist."

"I thank Audubon for honoring me as the recipient of the William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award. We are fortunate to have numerous committed environmentalists who work together with many of my Assembly colleagues to advance smart policies," said Assemblyman Robert K. Sweeney. "Protecting our natural resources, making sure our families' lives are not compromised by environmental hazards, and ensuring that future generations will be able to enjoy the vast wonders of New York are vitally important to me. I look forward to continuing our very successful collaboration to preserve and protect our environment."

In his first year as chair of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Assemblyman Sweeney secured passage of the Environmental Protection Fund Enhancement Act, which authorized the EPF to increase to $300 million this year, and has steadfastly defended the integrity of the fund. Last year, he championed passage of the Great Lakes Compact, which has put in place much needed protections on the water resources of the Great Lakes. In addition, Assemblyman Sweeney also successfully shepherded legislation into law placing vehicle global warming labels on new cars, created the sea level rise and invasive species task forces, and has worked to increase staff at the Department of Environmental Conservation and create the Climate Change Office in DEC He has also sponsored the Bigger Better Bottle Bill, the wetlands bill, brownfield's clean up program reforms, and is now helping fight on the federal level for more funding for Wastewater infrastructure upgrades.

The 2008 William Hoyt Environmental Award was presented on Saturday, March 29, 2008 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Past award recipients include then Assemblyman Maurice Hinchey (1990), Assemblyman William Hoyt (1991), Assemblyman Pete Grannis (1992), Senator Owen Johnson (1993), Congressman Sherwood Boehlert (1995), Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (1996), Assemblyman Steven Englebright (1997), Senator Carl Marcellino (1998), DEC Commissioner John Cahill (2000), Assemblyman Sam Hoyt (2001), Attorney General Eliot Spitzer (2002), Assemblyman Thomas DiNapoli (2003), Governor George E. Pataki (2004), OPRHP Commissioner Bernadette Castro (2005), Senator Vincent Leibell (2006), Congressman Maurice Hinchey (2007), Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano (2008).

For more information about the award and the Audubon Assembly, contact Sean Mahar, Director of Government Relations and Communications, Audubon New York (518) 253-7000 (cell).

Audubon New York, the 50,000 member State program of the National Audubon Society, is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitats that supports them. Our national network of community-based nature centers and chapters, scientific and educational programs, and advocacy on behalf of areas sustaining important bird populations, engage millions of people of all ages and backgrounds in positive conservation experiences.

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