Political Arena

High marks on conservation

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The New York League of Conservation Voters’ (NYLCV) released scorecards for each member of City Council on Jan. 28, grading officials for their annual voting track record on environmental legislation. Councilmen Andrew Cohen and Ydanis Rodriguez received perfect scores, for consistently voting in support of increased sustainability. Mr. Cohen represents the northwest Bronx and Mr. Rodriguez’s Upper Manhattan district includes part of Marble Hill.

Some of the bills referenced in scoring each member included legislation on park maintenance trackers, community air quality surveys, child-safe products and a ban on microbeads, the cosmetic exfoliating products.

Looking to the city’s overall record on the environment, Mr. Cohen commended Councilman Costa Constantinides as head of the Environmental Protection Committee. He also cited various efforts of city agencies like the Department of Environmental Protection in making New York a more sustainable place to live. He said a November tour of the Jerome Park Reservoir — a trial run for the kind of access to the site that activists have long sought — shows the city is making progress on being green.

“Water consumption is down significantly in New York City and it’s just another example of the city’s commitment to environmental protection,” he said. “And there are plenty of opportunities to do more.” 

Mr. Rodriguez said he found it paramount that he and his colleagues prioritize sustainability.

“This score is a reflection of my values and understanding that the status quo must change if we are to continue to live comfortably and peacefully on this planet,” he said in an email. “As chair of a committee that can have a broad impact on environmental issues, I will keep my vision on these goals moving forward and encourage my colleagues to do the same.”

Councilman Fernando Cabrera, whose district includes part of Kingsbridge, received a score of 38 out of 100 based on his voting record on sustainability bills.

He could not be reached for this week’s issue.

MIH moves ahead

Public Advocate Letitia James released a series of recommendations to improve Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) proposal, which would require 25 to 30 percent of units in some buildings to be affordable. She based her suggestions on input from constituents who have raised concerns about affordable housing and the looming threat of displacement. Her feedback came with the City Council scheduled to hold hearings on the proposal next week.

Will Speros, New York League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Protection Committee, Andrew Cohen, Ydanis Rodriguez, Letitia James, Jeffrey Dinowitz, Eliot Engel
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