State officials plan to boost funding for the Clean Vessel Assistance Program, a grant initiative that helps marinas install and upgrade boat pump-out stations that reduce water pollution.

In response to increased collisions between boats and marine mammals off New York’s coast, state lawmakers want better training for boaters to protect dolphins and whales. We discuss this issue with Adrienne Esposito, executive director of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

Plum Island’s future is coming into clearer focus, thanks to Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine’s announcement Wednesday that the County will seek to acquire the 822-acre island off the tip of Long Island’s North Fork. 

New York attorney general Letitia James sued chemical manufacturers (PDF) 3M, DuPont, Corteva, Chemours, and EIDP in state court on July 9 for their role in contributing to pollution and other alleged harms from the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products.

Environmental advocates say PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, have been used in consumer products for decades and that the lawsuit represents an important step toward reducing public exposure.