Proposal 2 Victory Affirms Broad, Bipartisan Agreement on Conservation, Protecting Clean Air, Water

NEW YORK — The overwhelming victory of New York’s Proposal 2, which establishes a right to clean air and water and a healthful environment in the state’s constitution, underscores that conservation remains one of the best areas for leaders to find common ground on solutions for people and wildlife alike. The National Wildlife Federation and Environmental Advocates NY urge leaders in other states and in Congress to heed this lesson and pursue bipartisan conservation solutions.

“The Environmental Rights movement in New York was built out from communities facing crises that threatened their health and lives with polluted air and water. Their plight and the fundamental values laid out in the amendment clearly resonated with New Yorkers of all stripes," said Peter Iwanowicz, executive director of Environmental Advocates NY. "New Yorkers have once again proved that we all share a common desire for clean air, water, and a healthy environment. Political leaders across the country should take notice.”

“At a time when our leaders struggle to find common ground, New Yorkers from across the political spectrum came together to affirm that conservation and protecting clean air and clean water are shared values,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Proposal 2’s overwhelming margin of victory not only provides a blueprint for other states to follow, but also affirms that the conservation priorities, like the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, are among the rare opportunities for bipartisan cooperation.”


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