NEW YORK --- What a difference a year makes.

Click above to download NYLCVEF's 2011 Legislative Progress Report.When it comes to environmental sustainability, the New York Assembly and Senate made significant progress in the 2011 session, marking a welcome turnaround from 2010 and concluding one of the most productive legislative sessions in years.

Those are the conclusions of the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund's (NYLCVEF's) 2011 Legislative Progress Report, which was released today.

NYLCVEF's Legislative Progress Report awards the Legislature an overall "B" grade for the 2011 results, up from a "C" in 2010, when the bar was set unusually low.

"The contrast between this year's environmental progress and 2010 is great," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund. "Although New York missed an opportunity by not passing comprehensive solar energy legislation, the Assembly and Senate made headway in other important areas, including green jobs and making it easier to bring wind energy to New York. We look forward to working with the Assembly, Senate and Gov. Andrew Cuomo to build on 2011's successes and make New York the clean-energy and sustainability leader it should be."

NYLCVEF's 2011 Legislative Progress Report tracks progress made on 17 legislative and budget priorities, on issues ranging from power plants and home energy efficiency upgrades, to wildlife habitat protection and mass transit funding.

In addition to the overall "B" grade, NYLCVEF's Legislative Progress Report gives the Legislature grades in four areas. They are: "B" on clean energy & energy efficiency; "B" on climate change & air quality; "B" on natural resource protection; and "B" on transportation. Click here to download the full report.

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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.