Apr. 10, 2007
County Executive Andy Spano will join other advocates for action on global warming at two events Saturday, part of Step It Up, a national day to press for action. The events will be held at Bear Mountain Bridge beginning at 10 a.m. and at Rainbeau Ridge Farm in Bedford Hills at 2 p.m.
The national day is designed to bring attention to the need for individuals and governments on all levels to act now on global warming.
Spano, who has been speaking out and working to promote local action to combat global warming, said it is more certain every day that the delay in national action on global warming imperils the planet.
Others expected to attend include Rep. John Hall (at both events) and former Rangers star Mike Richter (at the Bedford Hills event), as well as many local officials. The public is invited to participate as well.
“It is clear that if we don’t take action now to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, future generations will face significant, perhaps even catastrophic, economic and ecological harm,” Spano said. “In Westchester we know we can’t stop climate change on our own. But if everyone takes one Green giant step we can have an impact. Our people want to do their share.”
He added, “This push is particularly timely now. The U.S. Supreme Court this month determined that the Bush Administration failed to follow the requirements of the Clean Air Act when it refused to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. The EPA must use its authority now to regulate motor vehicle emissions that cause climate change. And I support efforts in the Congress, such as those by Congressman Hall, toward effective action to cap greenhouse gas emissions.”
Spano last year established a Global Warming Task Force. Within the next several months, the group will produce a countywide action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable development.
Bear Mountain event: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the intersection of the Palisades Parkway and Rt. 9W
Participants will gather at Bear Mountain State Park (in the field next to the parking lot) at 10 a.m. (Note: there is a $6 charge for parking and parking is limited; car pooling is encouraged). Live music will be provided by Chris Ruhe & Rafael Figueroa of Beacon, then The Foundry All-Stars of Cold Spring. A press conference will be held at 11 a.m., with Spano, Rep. John Hall, legislators from Westchester and Rockland and various local officials. At about 11:30 a.m., the group will walk across the Bear Mountain Bridge, serenaded by environmentalists and folksingers Shirl Lawrence and Steve Kaplan of Yorktown Heights. The group will form a human chain across the Bear Mountain Bridge, holding signs about the need for Congress to address the threat of global warming.
Bedford Hills event, Rainbeau Ridge Farm, 49 David’s Way: noon to 3 p.m. (rally at 2 p.m. )
The Eastern New York Chapter of the Nature Conservancy, Westchester Land Trust, Riverkeeper, Federated Conservationists of Westchester, the New York League of Conservation Voters, Citizens Campaign for the Environment are sponsoring a day-long gathering at Rainbeau Ridge Farm in Bedford Hills. Events will include a hike through Beaver Dam Sanctuary (conditions permitting), demonstration booths, vendors and information tables for like-minded organizations and other activities. Phone: (914) 234- 2197; website: www.rainbeauridge.com/
Household Recycling 
