The New York League of Conservation Voters (NYLCV) recently endorsed Council Member Christopher Marte for re-election, a decision that has sparked debate among environmental advocates.
The crux of the controversy is Marte’s vote against the ‘City of Yes’ housing package, a significant initiative aimed at boosting urban density and reducing suburban sprawl, while enhancing housing affordability.
Targeted at improving carbon footprints, the ‘City of Yes’ package allows for increased construction of apartments near low-density transit stations and eases restrictions on homeowners wanting to add dwelling units.
Supporters of the housing package argue that it could vastly reshape the urban landscape and improve environmental outcomes by retaining residents in the city and supporting public transit.
Marte’s ‘No’ vote placed him alongside some of the most conservative council members, creating a perception that he is against housing reforms that could potentially lower carbon emissions.
The scorecard utilized by the League counts votes on various environmental and housing bills equally, leading to a concern that significant votes like that of the ‘City of Yes’ were not fully recognized in their potential impact.
Marte’s actions have raised eyebrows regarding his support for policies aimed at environmental sustainability. His conditional stance on the congestion pricing program, the launch of which is expected to significantly reduce traffic in the Manhattan congestion zone, has also drawn criticism.
While Marte publicly advocates for congestion pricing, his push for exemptions for residents in his district has been perceived as undermining broader support for the initiative.
NYLCV has acknowledged that congestion pricing is a state-level matter but noted that local officials have a considerable influence on its implementation.
In a statement regarding their endorsement criteria, NYLCV President Julie Tighe mentioned that incumbents like Marte often receive favorable treatment in the endorsement process to foster relationships that are beneficial for advocacy.
As a result, Marte’s score with the League dropped from a perfect 100% in 2022 to 88% in the 2023 rating, indicating a decline in alignment with the League’s environmental goals.
Critics argue that the League’s endorsement system needs revision, especially when it comes to weight given to pivotal issues like housing density versus other initiatives.
The debate surrounding the endorsement of Marte underscores a growing concern within activist spaces regarding who truly qualifies as a champion for environmental causes.
Marte’s challenger, Jess Coleman, has garnered support from organizations like Abundant NY, advocating for more homes and decreased reliance on vehicles. Coleman’s perspective is seen as more aligned with urban housing reform and environmental sustainability goals.
Advocates believe that voting records should appropriately reflect potential long-term environmental impacts, and with the recent endorsement by NYLCV, many feel that a misalignment has occurred in evaluating candidates’ true commitment to environmental issues.
Ultimately, the recent decision by the NYLCV raises important questions about the effectiveness of their endorsement processes and whether they are truly prioritizing the environmental vision that New Yorkers expect from their elected officials.
image source from：https://nyc.streetsblog.org/2025/04/28/league-of-what-now-conservation-groups-endorsement-criteria-is-bizarre
