Queens councilmembers earn high marks on annual environmental scorecard
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The New York League of Conservation Voters gave Queens councilmembers high marks for their 2020 voting record. Photo via NYC Parks
By Rachel Vick
Queens councilmembers have earned high marks for their environmental policy records, according to the latest annual report from the New York League of Conservation Voters.
Queens’ 14-member delegation ranked third among the five boroughs on the 2020 NYC Council Environmental Scorecard with a rating of 84 out of 100. The report card also showed overall improvement for the entire City Council, which passed measures to promote clean energy and reduce emissions last year.
“While these steps will make progress toward meeting the City’s emission reduction goals, we still have more work to do,” wrote NYCLV President Julie Tighe. “2021 will be a big year for New York City. It is more important than ever for the City to remain committed to the environment and serve as a role model for other cities to follow.”
Councilmembers Jimmy Van Bramer, Costa Constantinides, Adrienne Adams, Barry Grodenchik and Donovan Richards all received perfect scores for their voting record on environmental actions. Councilmember Antonio Reynoso, whose district includes a small piece of Queens, also received a 100.
Councilmembers Peter Koo and Karen Koslowitz followed close behind with scores of 92.
The report highlighted three bills introduced by Constantinides — the “Renewable Rikers” Act to study the potential for the island as a green energy hub; the city’s Comprehensive Resiliency Plan; and Local Law 97, which slashes building emissions.
The NYLCV commended a bill to phase out the use of diesel school buses introduced by Councilmember Daniel Dromm, who received an 83.
Three of the ten lowest scores went to Queens lawmakers: Councilmembers Robert Holden, Daneek Miller and Eric Ulrich ranked among the bottom of the council for voting against Renewable Rikers, organic waste drop-off and an electric scooter pilot program.
