The Western New York Environmental Alliance (WNYEA) is a coalition of independent organizations that collectively represents the environmental voice for the Western New York Region, creating a virtual town square for all things green in Western New York. With more than 100 member organizations, affiliates and supporters, WNYEA wants to ensure that the environment is the key factor in local and regional planning.
How We WorkThe WNYEA works by promoting a consensus around important environmental issues and policies. It takes action through its advocacy process, where member organizations raise action items that the Board of Directors vote on for the annual Action Agenda. The Action Agenda serves as our road map for advocacy and discussions in that year.
WNYEA always welcomes new members, affiliates, and supporters to participate in our shared agenda for action. Visit our Membership page to view the active roster and learn about membership options. There are numerous opportunities to participate and engage in the work of WNYEA and our Network. |
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CAMPAIGNS AND PROJECTS
30 x 30The Western New York Environmental Alliance Announces the Western New York 30 x 30 Campaign. Please take a few minutes to fill out our 30 x 30 Questionnaire by clicking HERE.
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Rethink STAMPThe Western New York Environmental Alliance stands up for the environment, and for environmental justice. Today a great injustice is being perpetrated upon one of our regions most significant environmental areas (Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge and adjacent wildlands,) and the Tonawanda Seneca Nation. The Genesee County Economic Development Center (GCEDC) has purchased 1,260 acres of habitat and farmland and is building a Science and Technology Advanced Manufacturing Park (STAMP) adjacent to the Tonawanda Seneca Nation territory and a few miles south of the wildlife refuge. The Tonawanda Seneca have resisted STAMP for many years and are currently fighting this development, as is Orleans County.
Our "Rethink STAMP" campaign is about all of us working together to help our local, regional, state and federal decision makers understand the value of these existing land uses in Western New York--uses that truly support green energy, climate resilience and biodiversity. When biologists like Douglas Tallamy and E.O. Wilson tell us that only 5% of the lower 48 states remains natural land and that biodiversity is plummeting for lack of viable habitat, we the people need to speak up. We must talk with our public officials, publish editorials in local news outlets, defend the places where we live, and offer another way forward. Follow this campaign by checking out our Rethink STAMP page and visiting the Allies of the Tonawanda Seneca site. |
Our Outer Harbor
Keeping Buffalo's Outer Harbor green and public has been the ongoing work of the Our Outer Harbor coalition. This group is one of the critical and ongoing campaigns of the WNYEA. Preserving this valuable public land and shorelines, and helping to make sure that our region adopts green strategies for public enjoyment and climate resilience is a primary goal of our Outer Harbor Campaign. This coalition is deeply involved in issues involving coastal resiliency, biodiverse habitat, public access and enjoyment, and opposing inappropriate development including private condo's, non water dependent businesses, and large uncontrolled events and parties such as the 2021 Military focused Air Show that had its stage at Wilkeson Pointe Park, adjacent to the Times Beach Nature Preserve. This outrageous event was an insult to nature, and the peacefulness of the outer harbor. We have been challenging current use proposals by the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation (ECHDC) including the development of a new Amphitheater, with parking for 8,000. The activation of this facility, which will be accessible only to private ticket holders. eliminates public access. The chaotic parking, noise, and traffic patterns, disrupt wildlife and human access to the Outer Harbor. The outer harbor is part of the designated RAMSAR Niagara River Wetland of International Importance. It is the western gateway to the Niagara River Globally Significant Important Bird Area. Nature and true public access do not appear to be concerns of ECHDC. The OOH Coalition is fighting to resisting the privatization of public lands, and keeping the outer harbor lands, shorelines and waters green and ecologically valuable for recreation and wildlife. More HERE Please consider signing our Petition encouraging creating public lands on the outer harbor as a forever park. DESIGNATE BUFFALO'S OUTER HARBOR ON LAKE ERIE'S COAST AS PARKLAND 
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Decade of Biodiversity
In June of 2021 the Board of the Western New York Environmental Alliance decided to declare the beginning of the “Decade of Biodiversity”.
As far as we know, our home planet which is the place that has allowed all life including human life to evolve, may be unique in the universe. Earth’s fundamental life support system is based in the biodiverse life forms that help to create abundant clean air, water, and food. As we continue to evolve as a species, it is increasingly clear that we must find ways to nurture nature, even as nature nurtures us. Read more about this action agenda here. |
West Valley Nuclear Waste Facility
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The Western New York Environmental Alliance has partnered with the West Valley Action Network and the Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) to host a series of informational videos regarding the West Valley Nuclear disposal site and it's ongoing decommissioning activities. These programs and additional information can be found HERE
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