The L.I. Environmental Voters Forum has endorsed Al Krupski in the First Legislative District race.

"A healthy environment and economy are key to the quality of life in this legislative district,” LIEVF chairman Richard Amper said in a news release. ”Al Krupski is by far the more environmentally-responsible candidate for this position."

Krupski faces off against Riverhead Town Supervisor Sean Walter in the Jan. 15 special election. The seat was vacated in November when Leg. Ed Romaine became Brookhaven Town supervisor.

In the release announcing the endorsement, the L.I. Environmental Voters Forum also criticized Walter for “his dreadful record on the environment.”

Amper went further: “Mr. Walter has been running a one-man war against the environment, fighting with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the New York State Pine Barrens Commission and environmentalists across the island.”

"Mr. Amper seems to think it's his way or the highway," Walter said in response. "He does not seem to understand that Suffolk County needs a more balanced approach, which I will provide."

Walter defended his record on environmental issues. "I'm the first supervisor that sat down with environmentalists to discuss the redevelopment of EPCAL," he said. "As deputy town attorney, I worked to preserve 1,200 acres of open space." The Riverhead supervisor dismissed Amper as a radical who's lost credibility among residents and even among other environmentalists.

Krupski said he was honored to have the endorsement of the group. "I'm proud to be recognized for my accomplishments in the area of environmental protection. I believe I've established a very good record over the last 28 years in town government," Krupski said.