A Resolution introduced by Senator José M. Serrano (D-Manhattan/Bronx) to commemorate Earth Hour passed the New York State Senate unanimously today. The resolution requests that Governor Andrew Cuomo adopt 8:30 PM, Saturday, March 26, 2011 as Earth Hour in a show of solidarity to encourage environmental and energy conservation.
The first Earth Hour took place in 2007, and since then hundreds of millions of people and landmarks have taken part in this environmentally friendly tradition. Earth Hour 2010 was the most successful to date, with a record 128 countries and territories joining this global display of climate action.
“Earth Hour is a great way to raise awareness of sustainability issues, and although we do this for one hour each year, it is a symbol of a greater commitment to helping diminish the environmental issues that plague our communities year round,” said Senator Serrano.
“My district has some of the highest asthma rates in the country, which will only worsen as temperatures rise and lead to increased smog in urban areas. This year, the Empire State Building, in addition to various other landmarks will go dark for an hour, and I encourage all New Yorkers to do their part to, once again, make Earth Hour a success!"
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Senate Resolution No. 1010
BY: Senator SERRANO
MEMORIALIZING Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare
8:30pm on Saturday, March 26, 2011, as Earth Hour in
the State of New York
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to increase public
awareness of, and appreciation for, the natural resources of this great
Empire State, as well as recognize the role all citizens have in
protecting the environment and the quality of life within New York; and
WHEREAS, On Earth Hour, cities across the world ask their residents
and businesses to turn off all non-essential lights for one hour in
collective show of action against global warming; and
WHEREAS, This year, cities ranging from Suva, Fiji, to Chicago,
Illinois, from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Copenhagen, Denmark, have pledged to
observe Earth Hour; and
WHEREAS, New York State should take its place among these world
sites, and give a strong show of support for this symbolic action that
will have the real effect of lowering the State's carbon emissions and
environmental impact; and
WHEREAS, Having iconic sites such as the Empire State Building, The
Capitol, The Executive Mansion, and Niagara Falls go dark will have a
deep and meaningful impact to people around the world; the time for
action on global warming has come, and although Earth Hour is not the
solution to the problem, it is a real start and will play an important
role in galvanizing support to combat the dire threat our planet faces;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to declare 8:30pm on Saturday,
March 26, 2011, as Earth Hour in the State of New York; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of
New York.
