SPONSORED BY: ADIRONDACK COUNCIL, ALLIANCE FOR CLEAN ENERGY NY, AUDUBON SOCIETY, ARBOR HILL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, CATSKILL MOUNTAINKEEPER, CHILDREN’S DEFENSE FUND, CLEAN & HEALTHY NEW YORK, EARTHJUSTICE, ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES OF NY, GREAT NECK BREAST CANCER COALITION, GREEN INSIDE & OUT, HUNTINGTON BREAST CANCER ACTION COALITION, NY CLIMATE REALITY CHAPTERS COALITION, NY LAWYERS FOR THE PUBLIC INTEREST, NY LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS, THE NATURE CONSERVANCY OF NY, NY PUBLIC INTEREST RESEARCH GROUP, NY SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS COUNCIL, PARKS & TRAILS NY, PUSH BUFFALO, RIVERKEEPER, SAVE THE SOUND, SCENIC HUDSON, SIERRA CLUB ATLANTIC CHAPTER, WE ACT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

To commemorate 50 years since the first Earth Day brought people together across the US to organize for a healthy planet, a diverse group of 25 environmental conservation, health, and justice groups across New York State joined together to host an advocacy day and release a letter to the state’s top elected officials.

Watch the entire event

Originally conceived as an event at the NYS Capitol in Albany, the event went virtual as the need to practice physical distancing to stop the spread of COVID-19 became clear. Now more than ever, many people recognize the value of are spending time in nature to help reduce stress. We must also acknowledge that those who live with worse air pollution are facing steeper consequences from the virus. New York has been and can continue to be a leader in protecting our environment, but it will take all of us speaking up.

Nearly 400 people and organizations across New York joined together (from a distance) to advocate for protections for public health and the environment. Through a virtual news conference, and live Zoom meetings with legislators, our coalition continues our important work to fight for an equitable, healthy environment this Earth Day.


An Open Letter to the Governor and NYS Legislature

Over 100 organizations and 100 individuals signed on to a letter to Governor Cuomo, Senate Majority Leader Stewart-Cousins, and Assembly Speaker Heastie, honoring the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day, recognizing the major steps New York has taken to build a healthier environment, and calling for them to ensure critical environmental programs are maintained during a very difficult budget year. Specifically, we urge support for:

  • Restore Mother Nature Bond Act - which must go before voters in November.

  • Environmental Protection Fund

  • Clean Water Infrastructure Act


Conversations with New York Leaders

As we commemorate Earth Day’s 50th anniversary, our coalition wanted to hear from New York State lawmakers and environmental leaders. Here’s what they had to say.


media inquiries

Contact Bobbi Wilding at bobbi@chny.org or 518-708-3875.