ALBANY— The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, and the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Action Fund, which works to elect candidates who will implement sound environmental policies, today announced their endorsement of Representative Paul Tonko for re-election to Congress in New York’s 20th district.

Since his election to the U.S. House in 2008, Congressman Tonko has employed his background as an engineer, more than fifteen years of experience as the Chairman of the New York State Assembly Energy Committee, and his time as President and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Agency to inject a seasoned, educated, and experienced voice to Congress.

Congressman Tonko has a proven track record of leadership in fighting against climate change, advancing clean energy, defending clean water, and protecting our environment. He currently serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, including as the Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy, as well as the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee. Congressman Tonko is also the co-chair of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition, which promotes policies that advance the development of clean energy technologies and protect our climate, clean air and water, and natural resources.

With his expertise and leadership on energy and the environment, it is no surprise that Congressman Tonko has been a powerful voice in the transition away from fossil fuels towards a clean energy future, including opposing the House’s recent energy package, H.R. 8, a grab bag of stale pro-polluter policies and attacks on the environment that would increase carbon pollution.

Congressman Tonko has also been a leader in advocating for repairing and investing in our nation’s failing water infrastructure. Most recently, in the wake of the Flint water crisis, he has introduced the Assistance, Quality, and Affordability (AQUA) Act, which would increase investments to the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund as well as make important updates to the Safe Drinking Water Act. 

With his commitment to the fact that we do not have to choose between a healthy environment and a strong economy, Tonko is a key leader in building a cleaner, safer, and healthier Capital Region in New York — assisting in achieving NYLCV’s 2016 Blueprint for a Greener Capital Region’s top priorities including better regional transit, spurring renewable energy, and protecting clean & safe drinking water by investing in infrastructure.

“I am humbled to once again receive the endorsements of LCV Action Fund & NYLCV, and I continue to support their vision of a greener New York that enhances public health, boosts small businesses, and moves us away from our crippling dependence on fossil fuels. In Congress, I will continue to fight for policies that grow jobs while protecting the environment, cleaning up our water and promoting energy efficiency,” Congressman Tonko said in response. 

“The future of the Capital Region falls into the hands of our positive, progressive leaders that are geared towards building a more environmentally-sound and just future.  We are proud to endorse Representative Paul Tonko for re-election to Congress, and we encourage anyone who wants to see continued growth towards a healthier and more resilient Capital Region to vote for Congressman Tonko on November 8th,” said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

“Congressman Tonko is one of the strongest and most effective environmental leaders in the House of Representatives,” said the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund President Gene Karpinski. “He is a critical leader in the effort to combat climate change and a vocal advocate for clean energy, energy efficiency, and weatherization. Congressman Tonko has also been outspoken on the need to rebuild and repair our water infrastructure, offering solutions to ensure that everyone has access to safe, clean drinking water.”

# # #

Paid for by the League of Conservation Voters Action Fund and New York League of Conservation Voters Federal Fund, and authorized by Paul Tonko for Congress.