NEW YORK – Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris announced on September 21 that the New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) awarded him a perfect score on their annual legislative report card. Senator Gianaris has a long record of advocating for environmental causes and fighting the climate crisis, including supporting the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA), the nation’s most aggressive law to address climate change and opposing the proposed NRG fossil-fuel peaker plant in Astoria. Greek-American New York State Senators Andrew Gounardes and James Skoufis also received a perfect score.

“Protecting our environment is crucial to ensure a livable planet for future generations,” said Senate Deputy Leader Michael Gianaris. “I am pleased to be recognized by the League of Conservation Voters once again for my ongoing commitment to protecting the environment and fighting the climate crisis.”

“We commend Senator Gianaris for earning a perfect score on this year’s NYLCV State Scorecard. For years, Senator Gianaris has proven to be a strong advocate for the environment. Especially as Queens experiences devastating flooding from climate change, it’s important that elected leaders are fighting for clean energy, climate resiliency, and reduced emissions, helping adapt our communities to a changing climate while mitigating future impacts. We’re looking forward to continued work with Senator Gianaris to create a safe, clean New York for future generations,” said Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters.

The NYLCV rated legislators based on their voting history and co-sponsorship of legislation, including efforts to reduce traffic congestion, eliminate toxic chemicals from water and consumer products, and prohibiting offshore drilling along Long Island’s coastline.

Senator Gianaris has been an environmental champion throughout his public service and has received top marks from the NYLCV multiple times. He sponsors legislation to mandate testing of lead in schools and park water supplies and supports bills to improve water, air, and soil quality for all New Yorkers.

With Senator Gianaris serving as Deputy Majority Leader, the Senate enacted the CLCPA, a historic law to prevent further climate change. The CLCPA reduces statewide greenhouse gas emissions, improves resiliency, ensures local job creation through energy transition, and promotes environmental justice by controlling the regressive impacts of climate change mitigation.

The statewide report card is available online:  https://nylcv.org/news/nylcv-releases-2021-state-environmental-scorecard/.