Albany, NY - January 10, 2017 - Today, New York State Senator Todd Kaminsky was named the Ranking Member of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee by Democratic Conference Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Kaminsky was also assigned to several other key committees that will enable him to continue fighting for Long Island and the residents of the 9th Senate District.

“I am honored to serve as the Ranking Member of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, and am excited to get to work to protect our natural resources--both here on Long Island’s South Shore as well as across our great State,” said Senator Kaminsky.

“Here on Long Island, our beautiful land and pristine water resources are invaluable to our economy and our way of life. It is our duty to preserve them for future generations. We need to protect our air and water, keep our beaches and waterways clean and our local ecosystems thriving. We must also crack down on polluters, invest in green energy and tackle climate change to mitigate the effects of future storms. I am thankful that Leader Stewart-Cousins has entrusted me with leading our conference’s efforts to preserve our environment, and look forward to continuing to fight hard to protect our natural resources and Long Island’s beauty.”

Senate Democratic Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, “Senator Todd Kaminsky is an outstanding public servant and I am proud that he will serve as Ranking Member on the important Environmental Conservation Committee. Senator Kaminsky has been a fierce advocate for protecting Long Island residents and our state’s natural resources. Todd understands  the real impact of climate change will have and he will ensure we make smart infrastructure investments to protect our communities.”

Kaminsky is a staunch advocate for the environment, leading the successful fight against the proposed Port Ambrose Liquefied Natural Gas Terminal off the coast of Long Island. Senator Kaminsky also fought hard to protect Long Island’s beaches, air and water--especially the Island’s aquifer, which provides a clean and plentiful water supply to both Nassau and Suffolk counties. Additionally, Kaminsky pushed for state aid for the proposed the Bay Park outfall pipe as well as other environmental projects in his district. Kaminsky also sponsored legislation to protect children from toxic chemicals in toys, address and mitigate the effects of climate change, and ban the sale of toxic cleaning agents, among other environmental-related legislation. Further, Senator Kaminsky has organized several several community cleanups to beautify area parks and waterways.

Senator Kaminsky was also assigned to the Codes, Finance, Transportation, Health, Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Committees as well as the Committee on Homeland Security & Military and Veterans Affairs and is also a Ranking Member of the Local Government committee.

“I look forward to getting back to work this session to continue fighting for Long Island,” Senator Kaminsky said. “My new committee assignments will enable me to do just that, while cracking down on crime and corruption, cutting our taxes, standing up for our veterans and the environment, and getting our fair share of state aid for our schools and infrastructure.”