Committed to Protecting Our Environment and Great Lakes

Pat is a staunch advocate for safeguarding our environment and the Great Lakes, recognizing their vital role in our ecosystem and daily lives. As the sponsor of the Great Lakes Bill of Rights (A3604), Pat aims to secure legal rights for the entire ecosystem, empowering both people and nature to influence decisions on projects that affect our environment. This landmark legislation ensures that the people and natural ecosystems of New York, including the Great Lakes, have the right to a clean and healthy environment.

Driven by a deep commitment to preserving our planet for future generations, Pat introduced the Great Lakes Bill of Rights to prevent activities that could cause irreversible harm to Earth’s natural cycles or undermine biodiversity. He believes no individual, institution, or nation should jeopardize the health of our environment.

Pat's environmental leadership extends beyond this bill. He has championed legislation to create a commission dedicated to eliminating single-use plastics and played a key role in passing the historic Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which mandates 100% clean power by 2040.

In recognition of his efforts, Speaker Carl E. Heastie appointed Pat as Chair of the Great Lakes Watershed Task Force and a member of the Environmental Conservation Committee. These roles enable Pat to address both economic and environmental challenges unique to communities within the Great Lakes watershed.

Pat’s dedication to protecting our natural resources and advancing environmental sustainability underscores his commitment to creating a cleaner, healthier future for all.