Audubon New York Statement on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2013 State of the State Address

The following statement from Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director ofAudubon New York, the 50,000 member state program of the National Audubon Society, commending Governor Andrew Cuomo on his 2013 State of the State address.

"Governor Cuomo's focus on prioritizing a balanced approach to storm risk reduction and climate change adaptation efforts that rely on a mix of structural and natural solutions will certainly help to comprehensively protect coastal communities from future storm events and sea level rise, and create long-term resilience for the region. His strong recommendations, from promoting increased protection and restoration of natural features like wetlands and beaches, to supporting important upgrades of our wastewater infrastructure, will provide cost effective solutions that reduce risk to homes, businesses and infrastructure while improving coastal ecosystem health and creating jobs."

"Implementing these critical measures will establish New York as a national leader in storm recovery, not only strengthening our ability to adapt to the challenges of a changing climate, but enhancing the state's economic recovery at the same time. In addition, the Governor's focus on creating a clean energy economy through new investments in renewable energy and strengthening the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative are important steps to confront climate change head on."

"We look forward to working with the Governor and Legislature to advance these solutions in the upcoming session, and also urge their strong support in the upcoming budget of increased investments in the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), another installment of NY Works funding in our State Parks, and prioritizing new investments in upgrading the state's aging wastewater infrastructure.

For more information contact Sean Mahar, Director of Government Relations, Audubon New York at (518) 669-1768 (cell).