March 19, 2008

A leader in the preservation of open space and an advocate for environmental conservation, County Executive Andy Spano is this year’s recipient of the 2008 William B. Hoyt Environmental Excellence Award from Audubon New York and the Audubon Council of New York State.

 Spano is the first county executive to receive this award, which is named in tribute to State Assemblyman William Hoyt, who died in office in 1992.  Spano will accept the award at the annual Spring Audubon Assembly on March 29, at the Gideon Putnam Hotel in Saratoga Springs.

 “Protecting and improving the quality of our environment and preserving our natural resources are among my highest priorities in Westchester County,” Spano said. “I am honored that Audubon has chosen me to accept this prestigious award.”

Creating biodiversity research and reserve areas throughout the county parks system and designating four Audubon Important Bird Areas are among Spano’s environmental accomplishments cited by Audubon. He has been champion in acquiring more than 2,000 acres of parkland during his administration, and has been instrumental in developing water quality and wastewater management plans as well as creating the first Westchester Endangered Species List.  One of his most recent environmental initiatives is to use education and enforcement to significantly increase recycling by county residents and businesses. Last month, Spano unveiled the Westchester Global Warming Action Plan 2008 detailing what Westchester can and must do to meet the worldwide challenge of climate change.

 “Andrew Spano has consistently embraced a strong conservation ethic in managing the natural resources of Westchester County, and we are thrilled to present this important award to such a deserving and dedicated environmentalist,” said Albert E. Caccese, Executive Director of Audubon New York.  “With such trailblazing initiatives as the first County Important Bird Area program, a County wide native plants program, a yearly no pesticide day, and most recently the creation of a Global Warming Task Force, his actions are shining examples of how a local leader can tackle big environmental issues.  We look forward to introducing County Executive Spano’s successful efforts to other counties across the State.” 

  “County Executive Andrew Spano typifies what a local legislator should do to protect the environment,” said John Hannan, Chair of the Audubon Council of New York State and a Westchester resident.  “Throughout his tenure, County Executive Spano has advanced many important initiatives to protect open space and conserve the biodiversity of our County, and we are delighted to give this award to such a progressive environmentalist.”

Spano said, “Audubon New York has been an outstanding partner in shaping Westchester’s conservation priorities. I applaud their leadership and commitment to preserving our natural resources and for their unwavering support of conservation initiatives throughout New York State.”

Past William Hoyt Environmental Award recipients include New York State Senator Vincent Leibell, Assemblymen Sam Hoyt and Thomas DiNapoli, and Governor George E. Pataki.