CONTACT:
Claudette Thornton
Audubon New York
518-869-9731 Cthornton@audubon.org
Albany, NY – October 8, 2015 - The following is a statement from Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York, the 50,000 member state program of the National Audubon Society, on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s announcement of four major actions to combat climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions across New York State.
“Today, Governor Andrew Cuomo demonstrated his leadership in addressing one of the most pressing threats to birds, wildlife, and natural resources in North America: climate change. Audubon applauds the Governor’s signing of the Under 2 MOU and his commitment to work with other states and the Canadian governments to create a North American Carbon Market,” said Erin M. Crotty, Executive Director, Audubon New York.
Crotty, who served as NYS DEC Commissioner from 2001 to 2005, leading the original team tasked with gaining the commitment of other states to join the Regional Greenhous Gas Initiative, went on to say, “Governor Cuomo’s commitments today are the latest proof that conservation knows no political party. This is a giant leap forward in New York’s fight to lead the nation in addressing the impacts of climate change and fighting to further reduce greenhouse gases that threaten our birds and other wildlife, our communities, our health, and our economy. Audubon is eager to partner with the Governor on fast implementation.”
Audubon New York is the state’s leading voice for the conservation and protection of natural resources for birds. Integrating science, conservation, policy and education, Audubon’s mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitat for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. With 50,000 members and 27 affiliated chapters state-wide, Audubon New York oversees seven sanctuaries and centers, from Long Island to western New York, and protects priority habitats, including more than 130 Important Bird Areas identified as critical for the conservation of birds.
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