The JustGreen Partnership
Working for Environmental Health and Justice for New York’s People and Communities
NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 7, 2015
CONTACT:
Ruth Foster, CHNY, 518-641-1552 x1
Parents, Advocates Laud Signing of “Toxic-Free Toys Act” into law
Historic action by Albany County will protect children’s health
(Albany) Today, County Executive, Daniel McCoy stood with parents and children by signing
the Toxic Free Toys Act, Local Law “J” into law in Albany County. The bill bans the sale of
seven toxic chemicals in children’s products. Less than two months after a major report, Toxic
Toys in Albany County, found dangerous chemicals in children's toys and products in Albany
County, the County Legislature and County Executive Dan McCoy have enacted legislation to
protect our children from the most hazardous chemicals known to cause cancer, reproductive
disorders, autism, and learning disabilities.
“We applaud the Albany County Legislature for passing Local Law “J”, and County Executive
McCoy for signing it into law.” Said Kathy Curtis, executive director of Clean and Healthy New
York. “This brings us one step closer to the day when all products are safe for kids” .
“Protecting children is one of government’s most vital tasks. Today, Albany County took a bold
step in that direction by signing the Toxic Free Toy Act into law," said Albany County Legislator
Bryan M. Clenahan. "I am very proud to have sponsored this bill and very proud to have worked
with so many amazing advocates and citizens to make it law. Thank you to the County
Executive and my Legislative colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Albany County has taken the
lead on this important issue - let’s hope that other localities and the State Legislature follow our
example.”
"Kudos to County Executive McCoy for brushing aside the self-interested chemical industry
blather and standing with parents and kids to promote child health," said NYPIRG Counsel Russ
Haven. "This is good policy and smart politics and it will make the world safer for children."
"By signing into law this common sense legislation, County Executive McCoy has demonstrated
he is a leader where federal and state governments have failed to act," said Caitlin Pixley,
Conservation Associate at Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "This smart policy protects the health
and well-being of the children of Albany County and creates momentum for similar legislation to
pass throughout New York State."
"We owe it to our children to protect them from known toxins. Thank you County Executive
McCoy for doing the right thing." Francesca Sommer Executive Director, Learning Disabilities
Association of New York State.
"We are thrilled that County Executive McCoy signed this bill into law to protect kids from toxic
chemicals," said Christopher Goeken, Director of Public Policy for the New York League of
Conservation Voters. "Parents won't have to worry about mercury, lead and arsenic in the toys
they buy for their kids."
“We’re thrilled Albany County Executive McCoy took the bold step of signing the county
legislator Clenahan’s Toxic Free Toys Act into law. Albany will be a leader in keeping children
and families safe from chemicals that are known to cause harm” said Saima Anjam of
Environmental Advocates of New York.
"We applaud County Executive McCoy for this step to protect the County's children from
harmful chemicals that have no place in their toys," said Ansje Miller of CEH. "Albany County
today is leading the way towards safer products for children and families across New York and
ultimately nationwide. All businesses should know that consumers want safer, sustainable
products for their children, families and homes.”
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The JustGreen Partnership is a collaboration of over 50 organizations working for
New York’s people and communities. Learn more: www.just-green.org