The League’s top priorities would help Westchester communities improve public health, expand clean energy, protect open space, and build more resilient, walkable, and equitable communities.

The New York League of Conservation Voters and NYLCV Education Fund (NYLCV/EF) today released their 2026 Westchester Policy Agenda, a comprehensive roadmap to help lawmakers and local governments advance sustainability, resilience, public health, and environmental justice.

“With the federal government retreating from the climate fight and rolling back decades of bipartisan environmental protections, local action is more important than ever,” said Julie Tighe, President of NYLCV and NYLCV Education Fund. “This agenda demonstrates how Westchester lawmakers can meet the moment by supporting clean energy, clean air and water, safe streets, and smart growth, while also ensuring environmental justice is prioritized across the county.”  

From modernizing zoning and transportation networks to expanding renewable energy, protecting clean water, and preserving open space, this agenda outlines practical, locally focused actions to help improve quality of life for all Westchester residents while helping municipalities meet state and county climate goals.

The full 2026 Westchester Policy Agenda can be viewed here.

NYLCV/EF’s top priorities for Westchester County include:

Sustainable Development:Advance modern zoning and land-use policies that encourage walkable, mixed-use, transit-oriented communities; reduce parking minimums; expand complete streets and protected bike networks; and support safe, affordable, and climate-friendly development.

Renewable Energy:Support municipalities in installing solar, wind, geothermal, microgrids, and battery storage; streamline local permitting; expand energy-efficiency programs; and advance participation in Climate Smart Communities and clean energy incentive programs.

Sustainable Public Asset Management:Increase renewable energy procurement, conduct energy audits and efficiency retrofits of municipal facilities, expand EV charging infrastructure, and transition municipal fleets to cleaner vehicles.

Public Health:Reduce air and water pollution through clean energy adoption, climate adaptation infrastructure, pesticide reduction, clean transportation initiatives, and expanded access to healthy food and community agriculture.

Open Space & Resiliency:Protect forests, farmland, streams, and rivers; restore aquatic habitats; expand tree canopy and native plantings; improve stormwater management; and increase access to parks, beaches, and community green spaces.

Waste:Boost recycling and waste reduction, expand food scrap composting programs, incentivize regional recycling and composting infrastructure, and promote a circular economy.

Clean Water:Invest in sewer and stormwater infrastructure, protect drinking water sources, reduce road salt pollution, support green infrastructure solutions, and explore innovative regional approaches to wastewater management.

Westchester has an incredible opportunity to lead by example when it comes to building healthy, resilient communities, and NYLCV looks forward to working with county and municipal leaders to turn these priorities into action.