Albany, NY (January 21, 2019) – As part of his SFY 2020-21 Executive Budget, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has unveiled a strong environmental agenda that will protect New York State’s birds and people. The following statement is from Ana Paula Tavares, executive director of Audubon New York, a state program of the National Audubon Society:

“Governor Cuomo’s proposed five-year $33 billion plan to tackle climate change will provide much needed funding for the environment at a critical time for birds, other wildlife, and people. In the face of a changing climate, we must focus on restoring our natural landscapes—including freshwater wetlands, tidal marshes, and riparian environments—which provide important habitat for threatened birds and improve resilience to flooding and water quality for local communities.

This funding is accompanied by smart policy proposals, including a ban on Styrofoam, a permanent ban on fracking, and the elimination of jurisdictional maps for designating wetlands. Single-use plastics pollute our environment and are a threat to our birds. It is important that we continue to phase out the use of these products to ensure their health and safety. A permanent ban on fracking will protect the places birds need and place an emphasis on the development of renewable energy. And lastly, eliminating the jurisdictional maps that define our wetlands will allow New York State to protect more of the critical wetlands that provide food and shelter for our birds, and improved water quality and flood management for our communities.

Audubon New York looks forward to working with Governor Cuomo and the Legislature to ensure these proposals are included in the enacted budget.”

CONTACT:
Sharon Bruce
Communications Manager
Audubon New York
518-869-9731
sbruce@audubon.org

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About Audubon New York

Audubon New York, a state program of the National Audubon Society, protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. Audubon’s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, Audubon’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Audubon is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.ny.audubon.org.