ALBANY, NY — State Senator and Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins of Yonkers has received a “great score” in the EPL/Environmental Advocates 2014 Environmental Scorecard. Senator Stewart-Cousins received a score of 88, the highest score of any legislative leader in the New York State Senate. Each year, this highly-regarded organization tracks the environmental voting records of state legislators, assigning points in regard to how they vote or action they take on specific environmental legislation.
“Protecting the environment and preserving the natural beauty of our state are top priorities of mine,” said Stewart-Cousins. “The people I represent in the 35th State Senate District can rest assured that I am a strong advocate for preserving the Hudson River, and protecting our drinking water and our children from toxic chemicals.”
“People in the Hudson Valley love their environment. From their parks to their river, clean water and more, people want to live here,” said Peter Iwanowicz, Executive Director of EPL/Environmental Advocates. “Yet for every legislator working to protect all that’s good, another is attempting to roll back the clock and create new giveaways to polluters. Thankfully, the Hudson Valley is represented by more high scorers than any other region.”
Senator Stewart-Cousins wants a moratorium on fracking so that all health and environmental impacts can be studied properly. She supports the Child Safe Products Act, requiring disclosure of chemicals by manufacturers of children’s products. In 2014, she voted for the Community Risk Reduction and Resiliency Act, requiring the state to develop climate change-related zoning laws that local municipalities can adopt. Senator Stewart-Cousins also voted for Energy Star state grants, an Energy Star appliance tax break and a Clean Energy Property Tax Exemption. She voted for measures aimed at preventing invasive aquatic species and curbing light pollution. She also voted to limit the sale of illicit ivory and to advance clean water protections.
Her record on the environment also won praise from The Sierra Club and The New York League of Conservation Voters. Both organizations have endorsed her for re-election.