Click here to read our entire agenda for the East EndRIVERHEAD -- From its sweeping coastline to its rich agricultural areas and the pristine Pine Barrens, the East End is home to some of New York's most important natural treasures. But the East End also faces significant sustainability challenges that put those natural resources at risk.

That's why the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, together with several East End environmental organizations, announced the launch of NYLCVEF's 2009 East End Policy Agenda, called "Blueprint for a Greener East End." The Blueprint lays out specific budgetary and legislative recommendations for policymakers on the county and local levels to lay the foundation for a lasting sustainability legacy on the East End.

The Blueprint for a Greener East End focuses on five related policy areas: smart growth, sustainable agriculture, water quality and aquifer protection, energy efficiency and protection of the Peconic Bay. NYLCVEF crafted the Blueprint in consultation with other environmental organizations working in the region to produce a common vision.

"For years, states, cities and counties across the nation have been taking the lead on environmental issues, often before the federal government gets into the game. Local action has the potential to drive innovation and move the national debate forward," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "Our Blueprint for a Greener East End creates a framework that will lead to a more sustainable future for the East End while also protecting its economy and high quality of life."

"Protecting the environment is key to preserving beaches, bays and open spaces that are the East End's most valuable assets," said Neal Lewis, executive director of the Sustainability Institute at Molloy College. "This Blueprint for a Greener East End is exactly what is needed to draw from the East End's reputation for environmental stewardship and develop it into a framework for sustainable economic growth built upon a sturdy foundation."

"Development within the Peconic Bay watershed continues to compromise the health of precious coastal resources. With the region's final build-out predicted to take place within the next decade, the challenges in protecting and sustaining the Peconic Estuary, our local economy and quality of life have never been greater. Through both individual and collective efforts we can make a difference. Blueprint for a Greener East End will help us overcome these challenges," said Peconic Baykeeper Kevin McAllister.

"The East End economy is fueled by the health and vitality of its local environment. As a result, our region's economic future is tied directly to the protection of our natural resources and the sustainable design of our local communities. In these challenging times, decision-makers must avoid the temptation of backing away from environmental commitments, and redouble their efforts to protect the ‘natural capital' that drives our tourist, second-home and agricultural economy," said Bob DeLuca, president and CEO of Group for the East End. "We are pleased to be part of this important regional collaboration and look forward to working with NYLCVEF and our many conservation partners to achieve an ambitious agenda of conservation initiatives that we need to preserve the East End."

"The East End's precious sources of water are under assault, as exemplified by the Stony Hill Aquifer, whose watershed is still being overdeveloped even as more drinking water is drawn from it. The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund's ‘Blueprint for a Greener East End' spells out the conservation methods needed to protect this and other aquifers through the purchase of vital watershed land and promotion of organic fertilizers over pesticides," said Alexander Peters, president of Amagansett Springs Aquifer Protection.

Click here to download a copy of the NYLCV Education Fund's East End Agenda, or call (212) 361-6350, ext. 205.

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The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund (NYLCVEF) engages and educates New Yorkers on environmental issues and the environmental decision-making processes at the local, regional, state and federal government levels. NYLCVEF fosters open, nonpartisan discussion on environmental policy and empowers New Yorkers to be effective advocates on behalf of the environment.