NEW YORK, NY — The following statement can be attributed to Robert Freudenberg, Vice President of Energy & Environment, Regional Plan Association:

​“It’s unfortunate that we find ourselves in a position where such a difficult decision like this needs to be made. The Restore Mother Nature Bond Act would have ushered in a healthier and more resilient, equitable and economically competitive state. But with so many uncertainties around the course of the COVID pandemic and the fiscal crisis it has triggered, the decision to delay the bond act for one year is understandable. What will not change is the dire need for investments in climate adaptation and mitigation measures, clean water infrastructure and open space protection. We urge the state to continue to focus on these investments through existing funding sources such as the EPF and renewable energy funds, and with much needed and hopefully forthcoming federal funding.”