New York State officials applauded the 2012 legislative session as one of the most productive in history. But what got done for the environment?

NYLCVEF Communications Director Dan Hendrick, at right, gave an update on a newly enacted water pollution law.NYLCVEF and our environmental partner organizations joined together to answer that question at a panel discussion held in New York City. Called "Who is the Greenest of them All?" the discussion updated New Yorkers on several key legislative initiatives affecting their air, water and health.

One of the biggest environmental successes of the year was the Sewage Pollution Right to Know Law, which requires sewage treatment plant operators to notify the public whenever a release of untreated sewage occurs. Gov. Cuomo signed this law into effect during the summer.

Lawmakers also approved additional environmental funding that will help municipal parks, recycling and land conservation efforts.

But several other initiatives didn't make it through Albany's political process. Among them were the Solar Jobs Act, closing a loophole on hydrofracking wastewater and protecting children's health from toxic chemicals.

Dozens turned out to participate in the briefing, which took place in New York City. NYLCVEF would like to thank our partner organizations -- Environmental Advocates of New York, WE ACT for Environmental Justice, Environment New York and the Energy and Climate Center at Pace Law School -- for organizing this great event!