PRESS RELEASE

April 22, 2010

SENATOR CRAIG JOHNSON STANDS UP TO SPECIAL INTERESTS & SUPPORTS ENVIRONMENTAL "SUPER BILLS"

(ALBANY, NY)—On Earth Day, Environmental Advocates of New York recognizes Senator Craig Johnson (D - Garden City Park) for his support of two key pieces of environmental legislation that were considered by the New York State Senate on Earth Day Lobby Day.  

Although a small army of lobbyists representing real estate developers, chemical industries, power plant and transmission line proponents, and other special interests pressed to defeat both measures throughout the day, Senator Johnson’s support of the bills resulted in one key environmental victory.

The New York State Senate passed the Electronic Waste Recycling Act, which would remove tons of toxic e-waste from our landfills by requiring electronics manufacturers to collect and recycle their products. The Act is also one of the environmental community's priority "Super Bills."  

Although a second “Super Bill,” known as the Environmental Access to Justice Act, fell short by a vote of 29-32 in the State Senate, Senator Johnson’s support for this crucial environmental measure did not go unnoticed. The legislation would have restored the right of citizens to challenge the results of environmental reviews.  

"With his votes on the floor, Senator Johnson stood up to special interests and helped support a greener New York," said Rob Moore, Executive Director, Environmental Advocates of New York.

Super Bills are high priority legislation selected by members of the Green Panel, which includes representatives of more than a dozen of New York's leading environmental organizations.

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Environmental Advocates of New York's mission is to protect our air, land, water and wildlife and the health of all New Yorkers. Based in Albany, we monitor state government, evaluate proposed laws, and champion policies and practices that will ensure the responsible stewardship of our shared environment. We work to support and strengthen the efforts of New York's environmental community and to make our state a national leader. The tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization is also the New York affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation.