Long Island's impressive natural heritage and patterns of economic development present challenges that place this unique community at the forefront of the newest wave of the environmental movement.

The New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund presents an agenda as a first step in steering Long Island's elected representatives toward a new appreciation of what environmental protection means in this critical area of our state.

Local policymakers have a long and largely successful history of preserving the vital and often spectacular open spaces that make Suffolk and Nassau counties unique places. Despite these successes, the island still suffers from serious traffic congestion, the many ills of unchecked suburban sprawl, an increasingly burdened mass transit system and development that continues to encroach on natural resources.

Through intelligent and forward-thinking planning, we can address these problems and create communities on Long Island that will be models of suburban sustainability. This agenda lays out a smart-growth strategy that will preserve the natural heritage that makes Long Island such a special place while continuing to support the economic growth that makes it vibrant. We look forward to working with our many local partners to make this agenda a reality and ensure that Long Island becomes an even better place to live, work and play.

Here are the issues we're asking Long Island to act upon:

• Open Space Preservation
• Natural Resource Protection
• Transportation
• Energy Conservation & Climate Action
• Smart Growth

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