NEW YORK STATE SENATE OFFICE OF SENATOR MICHAEL GIANARIS For Immediate Release April 22, 2012 Contact:

Anna Adams-Sarthou 718-728-0960 sarthou@nysenate.gov

SENATOR GIANARIS RECOGNIZES EARTH DAY Announces winner of Earth Day 2012 Poster Competition

Queens, NY Senator Michael Gianaris, a longtime advocate of clean energy and an improved environment, today commemorates Earth Day and announces his districts winner of the New York State Senate Earth Day 2012 Poster Competition. Senator Gianaris has been a leader in numerous initiatives promoting conservation and sustainable development in the community, including teaching the younger generation the importance of going green. The winner of this years competition is Lucas McGarkey, a Kindergartener at P.S. 166 in Queens. Lucas poster can be viewed here: http://www.nysenate.gov/earth-day-2012-postercontest-winner. It is critical that our children learn about the impact we have on our planet so they have a better understanding of what must be done to protect our environment, Senator Gianaris said. Earth Day reminds us we need to do more to ensure our air is clean and pollution-free as well as the importance of green initiatives. I am pleased to announce this years poster competition winner and thank all of those who participated in the contest. Senator Gianaris authored the states Clean Energy Law while a member of the State Assembly. He recently participated in several panels on New Yorks energy policy; has been a leader in efforts to plant more trees in Western Queens to improve air quality; and participated in the opening of P.S. 84s new, outdoor classroom, called The Learning Garden. He is also a member of the newly formed coalition, Smart Power NY, which promotes renewable power projects.

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