NOTE: As with most Internet polls, this poll is not balanced against a weighted sample. There is no statistical accuracy relating to any specific demographic of poll takers. Anyone can take this poll and the Northender collects no data about the respondents.
Make Your Voice Heard on Bigger Better Bottle Bill
Senator Carl Marcellino - who has been a champion of significant environmental legislation and law in New York State - is in a position to play a key role in the expansion of New York's Returnable Container Act, better known as the "Bottle Bill." Sen. Marcellino wants to hear from his constituents on this matter. It is a critical time to let him know where you stand and what position you would encourage him to take.
Friends of the Bay, one of many groups in support of what has been dubbed the Bigger Better Bottle Bill, respectfully urges Sen. Marcellino to back the proposed plan to include the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in the state budget this year. The bottle bill is New York's most successful recycling and litter prevention program, but it needs to be updated to include non-carbonated beverages, which are rapidly increasing in popularity.
The bottle bill also should be reformed to require beverage companies to transfer all the unclaimed deposits to the state to support local environmental needs. This proposal will reduce litter in our communities, increase recycling, and generate more than $180 million in new revenue to support local parks, recycling programs, waterfront revitalization, and other programs to protect our land, air and water.
Let's face it. We all have a responsibility to keep our communities clean and healthy. But for each year the bottle bill fails to be updated by our state lawmakers, more than two billion non-deposit containers end up in our landfills or polluting our beaches, bays, rivers, parks, and neighborhoods.
Please take a moment to contact Sen. Marcellino by phone or email and to RESPECTFULLY, POLITELY, and ASSERTIVELY urge him to include the Bigger Better Bottle Bill in this year's state budget. The main switchboard number for the New York State Senate is 518-455-2800. Sen. Marcellino's email address is: marcelli@senate.state.ny.us. Sen. Marcellino is also encouraging his constituents to take a survey available on his website:
There is far reaching support for the Bigger Better Bottle Bill. Consider the following: 1) More than 600 local governments, small businesses, and groups across New York State including the major statewide municipal organizations, solid waste management associations, environmental groups, and prominent organizations such as the Farm Bureau, Consumers Union, and the League of Women Voters; 2) Twenty newspaper editorial boards across the state; and 3) Polls show that 70% of New York voters support expanding the bottle law and 86% support transferring the unclaimed nickels to the state to fund environmental programs.
Without a doubt, that is unprecedented support. But industry opponents of the Bigger Better Bottle Bill - who want to repeal the bottle law altogether - are heavily lobbying members of both the Senate and Assembly. Citizens need to be heard too. So please contact Sen. Marcellino and your other state representatives including Assemblyman Lavine.
It's time to pass the Bigger Better Bottle Bill!
Sincerely,
Kyle Rabin Executive Director Friends of the Bay Oyster Bay, NY 11771 516-922-6666
