Albany, NY—The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund, which works to elect candidates who will implement sound environmental policies, and the New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, announced their joint endorsements of two candidates for United States Congress: Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory running for Congressional District 2, and State Senator Adriano Espaillat running for Congressional District 13.

“Suffolk County Legislator DuWayne Gregory and State Senator Adriano Espaillat have worked tirelessly to protect our air, water, and climate, and they will continue this important work in Congress,” said LCV Action Fund President Gene Karpinski. “They will be critical allies in Congress in the effort to combat climate change, grow our clean energy economy and safeguard our environment for generations to come.”

“Our future falls into the hands of our positive, progressive leaders that are geared towards building a more environmentally-sound and just tomorrow. We are proud to endorse Adriano Espaillat and DuWayne Gregory for Congress, and we encourage anyone who wants to see continued growth towards a healthier and more resilient New York to vote for them on November 8th,” said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

“It is an honor to be endorsed by the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and New York League of Conservation Voters, said DuWayne Gregory. “I look forward to working together to address climate change and other critical environmental concerns for Long Island and the country.”

“Every child in every community deserves to inherit a planet filled with opportunity and not one damaged by toxic water or air,” said State Senator Adriano Espaillat. “The New York League of Conservation Voters has been a steadfast partner in the fight for environmental justice. I am proud to receive NYLCV and LCV Action Fund’s endorsement. In Washington, I will remain committed to building a better future through environmental protection for all of our communities.”

A native Long Island resident, Gregory is passionate towards building and protecting the community. Gregory has served in the Suffolk County Legislature since 2008, where he has always prioritized sustainability and innovation. As the Presiding Officer of the Legislature, he was a leading voice in adopting the Suffolk County Comprehensive Master Plan 2035, which sets forth a blueprint to expand public transit, pedestrian networks, protect water, maintain open space, and preserve farmland.

Gregory’s commitment to the environment has always been clear: he has consistently co-sponsored legislation promoting land acquisition for open space, farmland preservation, and “Hamlet Parks” in underserved communities. In addition, he has helped to co-sponsor the Green Space Program, which provides parking for Clean Pass vehicles at County facilities. Gregory is driven to create policy in Congress that will address environmental degradation and the harmful effects of climate change already affecting Long Island.

Espaillat served as the State Senator for District 31 since 2010, representing neighborhoods including Inwood, Washington Heights, West Harlem, and parts of the Upper West Side. Throughout his tenure as a state legislator, he has been committed to protecting natural resources, promoting clean energy, and fighting for environmental justice. He has introduced legislation on a wide range of environmental issues; including notification of lead poisoning, protecting air quality at day care centers, monitoring water contamination throughout the state, and protecting people who are exposed to pesticides.

As a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee, Espaillat has also made headway in ensuring that state agencies being accountable for meeting the highest environmental standards through their regular practices and oversight. He was the first Dominican elected to the State Legislature, winning an Assembly seat in 1996.

To view more information about each candidate, including their NYLCV Questionnaires, please visit the NYLCV Endorsements Page.

About LCV Action Fund

The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund (LCVAF), the connected federal political action committee (PAC) of the League of Conservation Voters, works to elect candidates who will implement sound environmental laws and policies, and defeat those who stand in the way of progress. Since the 1994 election cycle, LCVAF has helped elect and re-elect 69 U.S. Senators and 306 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  In the 2013-2014 election cycle, LCVAF endorsed over 70 candidates and raised and donated almost $6 million dollars via GiveGreen. Over the last several years, our efforts have also helped elevate climate change and clean energy as critical issues in key elections.

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Paid for by the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and the New York League of Conservation Voters Federal Fund and authorized by Espaillat for Congress and Gregory for Congress.