Senator Serrano Passes Resolution Encouraging New Yorkers to Conserve Energy

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.