Environmental Defense Fund Applauds State Assembly Speaker
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
John Bianchi/Bennett Kleinberg, 212-576-2700
(New York , NY – February 26, 2009) Environmental Defense Fund applauds New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s proposed compromise to rescue the MTA and prevent drastic rate hikes and service cuts. Speaker Silver is recommending that tolls on the East and Harlem River bridges be limited to $2, equaling the fare for subway and bus service and minimizing the potential fare hikes and service cuts currently under consideration, according to published reports.
“We applaud Speaker Silver and the State Assembly for demonstrating leadership by proposing a compromise, focused on solving the immediate crisis, that fairly shares the burden of paying for the lifeblood of the city — mass transit — among everyone in the New York metro region,” said Andy Darrell, vice president for Living Cities at Environmental Defense Fund and a member of New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Sustainability Advisory Board.
“The positive environmental impact of mass transit in the region — reducing air and global warming pollution as well our dependence on foreign oil — cannot be overemphasized,” added Darrell. “This compromise, while painful for everyone, is really the only alternative that makes sense for drivers and riders alike. It is an important step towards a city with less traffic and cleaner air. We enthusiastically support Speaker Silver’s proposal and urge members of the State Legislature to rally behind it.”
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
Lawmakers Pass EDF Priority Bills for More Equitable, Efficient Climate Action
September 3, 2024 -
U.S. Electric Vehicle Manufacturing Investments, Jobs Continue to Grow
August 20, 2024 -
Public Interest Groups Defend SEC’s Climate Risk Disclosure Rule
August 15, 2024 -
Puerto Rico Hit by Tropical Storm Ernesto
August 14, 2024 -
La Tormenta Tropical Ernesto toca tierra en Puerto Rico
August 14, 2024 -
Localized air monitoring in New York’s disadvantaged communities underscores the need for immediate action to cut air pollution
August 14, 2024