Steve Bellone, The Environmental Pick For Suffolk County Executive

Oct. 17, 2011 - PRLog -- RIVERHEAD --- The New York League of Conservation Voters, which works to make environmental sustainability a top political and policy priority in New York State, has announced its endorsement of Steve Bellone for Suffolk County Executive. The environmental group made the announcement today at Grangebel Park in downtown Riverhead.

Steve Bellone has demonstrated his commitment to the environment through his leadership roles in sustainable, environmentally friendly development. In his role as Babylon Town Supervisor, Bellone created the nation’s first property assessed clean energy (PACE) efficiency program, called Long Island Green Homes, which helps retrofit homes with cleaner, more efficient energy technologies. Bellone also spearheaded the Wyandach Rising initiative, which focused on economic revitalization through green development and environmental preservation. Bellone’s efforts have led him to be recognized both locally -- as one of “Long Island’s seven greenest people” -- and nationally as a pioneer in sustainable development.

Going forward, Bellone hopes to expand on this impressive track record by making innovation and a sustainable economy top priorities throughout Suffolk County. His plan for County Executive includes the creation of innovation zones, saving taxpayer dollars by helping more homeowners make their properties energy efficient and attracting new jobs by developing a robust local market for solar energy.  

“Suffolk County’s future depends on its leaders’ ability to embrace innovation, create jobs and transition to a 21st century sustainable economy,” said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. “Others may talk about these goals, but Steve Bellone has actually achieved them. We are proud to endorse Steve Bellone for County Executive, and we encourage anyone who wants a stronger, healthier Suffolk County to vote for Steve Bellone on November 8th.”

In response to the endorsement, Supervisor Bellone said: “Making Suffolk County’s building stock more energy efficient is a great opportunity for job growth and energy efficiency. That is why I have set a goal of retrofitting 10,000 homes to create 1,000 clean-energy jobs in Suffolk County by the end of my first term as County Executive,” said Steve Bellone. “I am honored by this endorsement and look forward to working with the New York League of Conservation Voters to create good, clean-energy jobs and improve energy efficiency in Suffolk County.”

# # #

The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) was founded in 1989 as a nonpartisan, policy making and political action organization that works to make environmental protection a top priority with elected officials, decision makers, and voters by evaluating incumbent performance and endorsing and electing environmental leaders to office in New York State. Learn more at http://www.nylcv.org.