Queens Council Member To Run 'Carbon-Neutral' Election Campaign

By Special to the Sun | February 25, 2008

City Council member Eric Gioia of Queens is challenging New York's political candidates to put their money where their mouths are on environmental issues and run "carbon-neutral" campaigns. Mr. Gioia, a likely candidate for public advocate, said yesterday that his campaign would purchase carbon offsets, use hybrid vehicles, send fewer mailers and more e-mail, and take other steps to make up for the greenhouse emissions produced by his run for office.

"You have to be the change you want to see," Mr. Gioia said yesterday. "I certainly hope others will follow my example."

"Carbon-neutral" has become a popular environmental refrain in recent years, led by Vice President Gore's call for action against global warming. Senator Clinton and John Edwards have both run carbon-neutral campaigns, purchasing carbon "offsets," such as paying for tree planting or investing in wind and solar power. Mr. Gioia says his campaign would be the first citywide effort to embrace the practice.