Apr 22 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Kristen M. Daum Newsday, Melville, N.Y.

Kermit the Frog had it all wrong.

It really is easy being green, according to Long Island members of Congress who say they're out to prove it this Earth Day.

With conversations about "climate change" around every corner on Capitol Hill, green initiatives are a top priority for Long Island members, who say they want to set the bar for environmentally friendly proposals that the rest of the nation would follow.

"We have to eventually start somewhere, and the sooner we all start the better off we are," said Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-Jamaica Estates).

Ackerman said he plans to announce today legislation that would encourage the adoption of bottle-deposit laws in every state to promote recycling, with financial incentives to those states that act. Ten states, including New York, have laws mandating a 5-cent deposit on bottles and pop cans; Michigan requires a 10-cent deposit.

Ackerman said he also will push more local initiatives, such as encouraging energy-efficient lightbulbs and improved home insulation in his district.

"People talk a lot about the environment, but nobody wants to make the sacrifice," Ackerman said. "But the truth is when you make the sacrifice, the payback is huge."

Other Long Island members also said they are knee-deep in a green-friendly world, pushing similar initiatives in their areas.

As a new member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water, Rep. Steve Israel (D-Huntington) is in position to secure dollars for green projects in Long Island and nationwide.

"We have the infrastructure and the talent pool," he said. "We're trying to unite our resources on Long Island to create an economic engine for green energy."

Just last week, the House passed a bill co-authored by Rep. Tim Bishop (D-Southampton) to require better water-quality testing at beaches and in coastal recreation waters.