Environmental Groups Push For Campaign Finance

June 12, 2012 · by fair_admin

Capital Tonight

6/12/12

Nick Reisman

http://www.capitaltonight.com/2012/06/environmental-groups-push-for-campaign-finance/

A coalition of environmental advocacy groups is swinging their weight behind an effort that’s making end-of-session push for an overhaul of campaign finance laws this year.

It’s unusual that environmental lobbyists push issues that aren’t related to their specific field. But the groups note that the “outsized” influence of big money in campaigns has reduced everyone’s voice in the democratic process.

In particular, the groups write in a letter today to Gov. Andrew Cuomo that the influence of pro-fracking industry groups has helped shape oil and gas industry regulation. They also note that big money has helped block renewable waste programs and clean energy proposals.

Let us emphasize that we rarely take positions on issues that are not directly related to the environment or to environmental justice. We have chosen to support public financing of elections and the other abovementioned key reforms because it would advance sound environmental and environmental justice policies that benefit all New Yorkers.

With seven session days left until June 21, it seems unlikely for now that an overhaul of campaign finance laws, with a public matching system for political campaigns would be in the final mix. Still, the coalition that’s pushing for measure originally introduced by Speaker Sheldon Silver hope that a last-minute airing can bring the issue back to the front burner.
Enviro EJ Letter on Fair Elections 6-5-12- FINAL (2)