East Hampton Environmental Coalition’s Green Guide For Candidates

Laura Tooman, President of Concerned Citizens of Montauk and Co-chair of the East Hampton Environmental Coalition (EHEC), has announced that the collaborative efforts of more than 25 independent environmental groups has resulted in a “common agenda” with EHEC “To ensure candidates in this fall’s election for East Hampton Town Board and Town Supervisor are educated about the key environmental issues facing the town.”

At a press conference scheduled to be held at East Hampton Town Hall on Monday, September 25, the environmental groups will join representatives from EHEC where candidates running for office will be given “A copy of the 2017 East Hampton Green Guide.” The Green Guide is a “primer on sustainability policy for candidates.”

The Green Guide represents the joint efforts of nine content provider contributors, including Accabonac Protection Committee, Amagansett Springs Aquifer Protection, Concerned Citizens of Montauk, International Dark Sky Association – New York Chapter, Long Island Businesses for Responsible Energy (LIBFRE), New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, Northwest Alliance, Renewable Energy Long Island, and Quiet Skies Coalition, as well as the endorsement and support from eight organizations, including Defend H20, Ditch Plains Association, Friends of Georgica Pond Foundation, Group for the East End, Peconic Baykeeper, Perfect Earth Project, Surfrider Foundation: Eastern Long Island Chapter, and Third House Nature Center.

Speaking with Tooman, she relayed “The East Hampton Environmental Coalition frequently works together on issues of joint concern; collaborating on environmental initiatives throughout the year. This Green Guide is simply another joint effort coordinated by the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.”

Without revealing too much prior to Monday’s conference, Tooman did advise, “A few of the items the Green Guide does address are ground and surface water quality, coastal resiliency, dark skies and quiet skies, energy and greenhouse gas reduction and habitat and stewardship.”

“We want to be sure during a campaign for office that potential candidates have an organized environmental focus, and we want to see distinct policy issues and initiatives addressed as our biggest priority,” says Tooman.

Further, “The purpose of the Green Guide is to educate our Town Supervisor and Town Board candidates about the environmental issues that affect not just East Hampton, but also the entire East End. The problems we are experiencing and our policy goals and actions are ones that could be implemented regionally.”

Although the town of East Hampton has a long history on environmental and sustainability issues and challenges, it is hopeful that with each election season, candidates and policy makers will learn and act on new opportunities and initiatives to benefit all.