Sam Pryor Campground, Minnewaska State Park
News

OSI Urges Support for Environmental Bond Act in New York

Image Credit: Steve Aaron

By Kim Elliman

This November, New Yorkers have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to do something extraordinary to protect clean drinking water, conserve land for wildlife habitat and recreation, reduce pollution, and modernize New York’s outdated infrastructure by voting “Yes” for the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act.

The $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act will provide crucial support for New York’s economy and environment by funding environmental protection programs, safeguarding sources of clean water, reducing community flooding, increasing access to open space, and mitigating the worst effects of climate change.

The Bond Act will also create and expand access to parks, campgrounds, and nature centers, which have been essential for so many New Yorkers throughout the pandemic and will continue to play a role in increasing quality-of-life for residents in the future.

For years, the Open Space Institute has been working with diverse partners to help shape and advance an environmental bond act. And now, as a member of the Vote Yes for Clean Water & Jobs Coalition, the Open Space Institute (OSI), has joined with other organizations to launch a campaign encouraging New Yorkers to flip their ballots and vote “Yes” to approve the Bond Act this November.

With a state as diverse and wide-ranging as New York, there is no one project that will be the solution for every county. That’s why the Bond Act will allow for all counties, cities, towns, and villages to apply for grants to carry out the projects that will serve the unique needs of their constituents.

The Bond Act also comes with a recognition that environmental problems have historically hit low-income communities and people of color the hardest, requiring at least 35 percent of Bond Act funds be spent on disadvantaged communities.

When heading to the polls this November, voters will be faced with a critical decision. By flipping the ballot and voting “Yes” on the Environmental Bond Act on November 8th, voters will protect New York’s most vital and stunning natural resources for generations to come.

Paid for by Vote Yes for Clean Water and Jobs

What You Can Do

Donate to support OSI’s work

Become a part of our mission to safeguard at-risk places through your tax-deductible gift.

Donate

Subscribe to our newsletter

We get in touch once a month with our most important news, stories, and updates.

Subscribe