Audubon leaders from across New York met in in Saratoga to present the annual William B. Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award to Assemblyman Steve Otis for his dedication to protecting New York’s environment. The Award, which is named in honor of the popular environmental advocate who passed away in 1992 while serving in the State Assembly, was presented the evening of Saturday, March 19 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center as part of the Spring meeting of the Audubon Council of New York State.

“Assemblyman Otis has distinguished himself as a conservation champion and a strong ally to Audubon and we are proud to present him with the 2016 William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award,” said Erin Crotty, Executive Director of Audubon New York. “Throughout his tenure, Assemblyman Otis has been a strong leader in the protection of New York’s natural resources, including his commitment to advancing the Wastewater Infrastructure Improvement Act which was enacted last year. It’s an honor to present this award to a dedicated conservationist who has demonstrated unwavering support for the future of New York’s birds, people and communities.”

The Hoyt Award is presented annually to Federal or State officials in recognition of work above and beyond the normal call of duty to advance critical solutions to the most pressing environmental issues. Throughout his time in the New York Assembly, Assemblyman Otis has been a champion for environmental conservation in New York. As a member of the Environmental Conservation and Parks committees, Chair of the Solid Waste Commission, a member of the Climate Change Work Group, and as a driving force behind the Wastewater Infrastructure Improvement Act enacted last year, he has been a leading voice in addressing New York’s most pressing environmental conservation issues and a staunch advocate for Audubon’s mission.

“Audubon New York and the Audubon Council are major forces in environmental education, advocacy and conservation throughout the state,” said Assemblyman Steve Otis. “I am honored to have been chosen this year’s recipient of the William Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award and deeply appreciative of Audubon New York’s support for the Clean Water Infrastructure grant program. Audubon’s leadership has long been vital to protecting our natural resources and habitat. I look forward to our continued work together.”

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), Congressman Maurice Hinchey (2007), Westchester County Executive Andrew Spano (2008), Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (2009), Assemblywoman Ginny Fields (2010), Senator Suzi Oppenheimer (2011), Senator Mark Grisanti (2012), Commissioners Rose Harvey and Lucy Waletzky (2013), Senator Betty Little (2014) and Congressman Chris Gibson (2015).

About Audubon New York: As a leading state program of the National Audubon Society, Audubon New York (Audubon NY) leads our network of 50,000 members, 27 local Audubon Chapters, seven sanctuaries and nature centers and our thousands of annual visitors, volunteers, and partners throughout the state. Audubon achieves its mission to protect birds and their habitats by connecting our vast and powerful network along the migratory flyways of the Americas through science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation programs. Learn more at ny.audubon.org and @audubonny