Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling in New York

Hold manufacturers—not taxpayers—responsible for their waste! 

New York State is suffering from a solid waste and recycling crisis—recycling costs for municipalities and taxpayers have skyrocketed, recycling rates have declined, and our environment and health are suffering from pollution caused by excessive plastic packaging. Currently, corporate brand owners bear no responsibility in managing the product packaging waste they have created. 

To help address this solid waste crisis, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S.1464/A.1749) has been introduced in the NYS Legislature. The policy requires product manufacturers—not taxpayers—to be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling the packaging they create. If passed into law, this legislation will reduce packaging waste, increase recycling, eliminate toxic chemicals in packaging, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save local governments across the state over $300 million annually!

Email your NYS Assemblymember, NYS Senator, and Governor Hochul. Urge them to support passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) this legislative session!

Resources

• Recording of the Packaging Waste Reduction Forum: This one-hour zoom presentation (held 4/10/25) includes PRRIA bill sponsors and expert panelists discussing the importance of passing PRRIA and answering frequently asked questions about the policy.  View the PowerPoint Presentation from the Forum here.

• Frequently Asked Questions: Two-page fact sheet addresses frequently asked questions about PRRIA and the experience of packaging EPR policies around the globe

• Studies demonstrating that packaging EPR policies have not had any discernable impact on the price of packaged consumer goods:

• Columbia University study: “Economic impacts to consumers from extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation in the consumer packaged goods sector.

• RRS study: Impact of EPR Fees for PPP on Price of Consumer Packaged Goods

BACKGROUND

Plastic packaging and paper recycling are in crisis: New York generates more than 17 million tons of municipal solid waste annually. An estimated 40 percent of that waste is composed of product packaging and paper products, such as plastic containers, steel cans, plastic film, glass bottles, paper, and cardboard. Unfortunately, less than 20% of this waste is being recycled properly. Instead of being recycled, much of this waste ends up as litter in our communities, shipped to landfills, or burned in trash incinerators. 

Costs to local governments—and taxpayers—have skyrocketed: Municipalities were once getting paid for recyclables, but now they must pay to recycle. Instead of generating revenue from recyclables, many municipalities face recycling costs in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per year. The solid waste and recycling crisis is estimated to cost New York’s local governments $300 million annually. Local officials are now forced to consider raising fees on residents and/or reducing the recycling services provided to their communities.

New York’s waterways are suffering from increased plastic pollution: All too often, plastic packaging is littering our communities, ultimately making its way into our treasured rivers, lakes, bays, and ocean. Plastics do not biodegrade once they enter the environment—instead they break down into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which are frequently mistaken for food and ingested by fish and other aquatic wildlife. Recent research indicates that Lake Erie contains 381 metric tons of plastic—more than 50 times greater than the previous estimates at the surface. In NY/NJ Harbor Estuary, there are an estimated 165 million plastic particles floating in the water at any given time. In Long Island Sound coastal communities, voluntary clean ups report finding over 110,000 pounds of marine debris on beaches over the course of 8 years.

Large Brands are Failing to Take Responsibility: Currently, manufacturers bear no responsibility for recycling the packaging waste they create. Large brands have externalized the cost of disposing of and recycling packaging onto our municipal recycling programs and local taxpayers. For example, an estimated 165 billion packages are shipped in the U.S. every year, and yet companies currently bear no responsibility for managing any of this packaging waste that their businesses create. Instead, taxpayers and local governments are shouldering the financial burden of packaging disposal and recycling—the cost to New York State’s local governments is estimated at $300 million annually. 

The Solution to Reducing Waste and Saving Taxpayers Money: Hold Manufacturers Responsible for their Waste! The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (often referred to as Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR) would require manufacturers to take responsibility for their products throughout their entire product life cycle, by bearing the cost of properly recycling their packaging. Not only does this provide relief to taxpayers, but it also requires producers to minimize packaging materials, improve recyclability, and reduce the toxicity of their products. These policies have existed in Canada and the EU for decades and resulted in recycling rates upwards of 80%.

Thank you for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Join a Virtual Public Hearing on Propel NY Energy—We Need You to Speak Up in Support of this Important Energy Transmission Project!

Photo by Amanuel Flores from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/hand-touching-a-light-bulb-16036409/

On April 29th, the NY Public Service Commission will be holding two virtual public hearings on the Propel NY Energy transmission project to create a cleaner and more reliable energy grid

Long Island, New York City and Westchester need to improve the reliability and resiliency of our energy grid to ensure capacity during high demand times. Our summers are getting hotter, and storms are increasing in intensity. We need to upgrade our antiquated transmission infrastructure to ensure that energy is delivered reliably and in a timely manner. The Propel NY Energy transmission project is part of the solution, strengthening the electric grid with increased transmission capacity and helping inject more clean energy into the statewide grid. This project is critical to ensure New York’s interconnectedness throughout the state. 

The New York Public Service Commission will hold two virtual public hearings on the Propel NY Energy Project. Join us and testify in support of Propel NY during a virtual hearing. Your voice can help ensure that this project moves forward.

Propel NY Energy Public Hearings
Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Times: 1:00 PM and 5:30 PM
Register here

Suggested Talking Points:

• New York's energy demand is growing. We need a modern grid to ensure we have enough power — especially as we electrify homes, vehicles, and businesses.

• The project protects public health and the environment by reducing our reliance on outdated, polluting fossil fuel plants.

• Propel NY will improve grid reliability and deliver clean energy where it’s needed most — especially in downstate communities.

• This is a smart investment that will lower costs, create jobs, and boost energy security for all New Yorkers.

If you can’t attend a virtual hearing, you can still help! Submit written comments here.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of Us at CCE

Turn Off the Tap to Dangerous PFAS Chemicals Now!

Photo by Netaly Reshef: https://www.pexels.com/photo/kitchen-cookware-piled-up-on-brown-wooden-rack-187083/

New York State Must Ban PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Everyday Products

In recent years, communities across NY and the nation have discovered their drinking water sources are contaminated with harmful PFAS chemicals. PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are very persistent, meaning they build up in our bodies and don’t break down in the environment. New science indicates that there is no safe level of exposure to PFAS in our drinking water and we must do more to protect public health from this growing threat.

In 2025, the New York State legislature introduced legislation that would ban the use of PFAS chemicals in a host of everyday products—textile articles, rugs, fabric treatments, cookware, ski waxes, architectural paints, children’s products, anti-fogging sprays and wipes, dental floss, and cleaning products. This bill targets products in common use for which there are ample alternatives, and in most cases, restrictions already exist in other states or countries. The use of PFAS in these products is unnecessary, contributes to harmful PFAS pollution, and threatens public health. Take action today and urge your elected representatives to support passage of this critical legislation in 2025!  

Background

What is PFAS and where does it come from?

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products for many decades, due to their non-stick, grease-resistant and waterproof properties. PFAS is used in cookware, packaging, textiles, furniture, adhesives, paint, and numerous other products. According to the U.S. EPA, there are 3,500 industrial sites across New York State that may be handling or using PFAS chemicals.

PFAS Threatens our Health

Studies show that human exposure to PFAS is widespread—it’s estimated that 98% of people in the U.S. have PFAS compounds in their blood. Exposure to PFAS can lead to higher rates of kidney and testicular cancer, higher cholesterol levels, thyroid problems, adverse developmental effects and decreased immune response in children, and other adverse health impacts.

PFAS Pollutes our Environment and Drinking Water

Due to widespread use of PFAS chemicals in numerous products and industries, PFAS chemicals have become ubiquitous in the environment, including our soil, air, and drinking water. Testing has revealed some levels of PFAS in approximately 50% of public water systems across NYS, with about 250 water systems exceeding NY’s drinking water standards for two PFAS chemicals—PFOA and PFOS. EPA adopted stronger drinking water standards for several PFAS chemicals, which will cause an estimated 296 additional communities across NYS to exceed standards and have to treat drinking water for these harmful chemicals.

It’s Time to Turn Off the Tap to PFAS!

As we make important progress to remove PFAS from our drinking water, it does not make sense to continue using more PFAS and allow more contamination to occur! New York must get serious about limiting further PFAS contamination by banning unnecessary uses of PFAS in products. New York has already enacted laws to limit PFAS in firefighting foam, food packaging, carpets, and apparel; however, there are numerous other products that continue to use PFAS unnecessarily.

In 2025, legislation was introduced in New York State that would ban the sale of PFAS in a host of everyday products—textile articles, rugs, fabric treatments, cookware, ski waxes, architectural paints, children’s products, anti-fogging sprays and wipes, dental floss, and cleaning products. This bill targets products in common use for which there are ample alternatives, and in most cases, restrictions already exist in other states or countries. Email your elected representatives and urge them to support a ban on PFAS in everyday products in 2025!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely, 

All of us at CCE

Stop the Attacks on our Environment and Health

Reject Federal Cuts to Clean Water, Clean Air, and Healthy Communities

It wasn’t that long ago that contaminated rivers caught fire, lakes were too polluted to sustain life, and air in cities was choking us with smog. This was just over 54 years ago, prior to the establishment of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Since that time, the EPA has played an indispensable role in making our water safe to drink, our air clean to breathe, and our communities safe places to live. 

Despite progress achieved by the EPA to protect our environment and health, the President has proposed to slash the EPA budget by 65%. If this draconian cut is adopted, the agency would lose thousands of staff that serve critical functions and decimate the agency’s ability to address a broad range of significant responsibilities, including protecting drinking water, fighting climate change, cleaning up toxic contamination, restoring waterways, and much more.

Our representatives in Congress have the power to STOP these ill-advised and life-threatening cuts. Will your representative’s side with polluters, or will they side with the people they represent who need clean air to breathe and clean water to drink? 

Email your federal representatives in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate today!

Background 

EPA has played an indispensable role in making our water safe to drink, our air clean to breathe, and our communities safe places to live. EPA success stories from New York State, Connecticut, and the nation include:

• Fighting Acid Rain: Acid rain—largely derived from power plants in the Midwest—decimated forests, destroyed monuments, killed hundreds of lakes in the Adirondacks, and increased nitrogen pollution in Long Island Sound—causing algal blooms and harming aquatic life. EPA has since led efforts to slash power plant emissions of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide, the precursors to acid rain. New York and Connecticut’s waters, forests, and monuments are no longer plagued by acid rain like they once were.

• Restoring the Long Island Sound (LIS) and the Great Lakes: EPA formed the Long Island Sound Study, a NY-CT partnership that has led a successful bi-state effort to restore the Sound. Over the last 25 years, this program has restored 3,000 acres of habitat and tidal wetlands, reduced nitrogen pollution entering the Sound by 50 million pounds annually, and vastly improved both water quality and the health of local fisheries. EPA leads the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI), which was established in 2010. The GLRI has invested billions of dollars in over 8,100 projects to clean up toxic hot spots, fight invasive species, restore habitat, and more.

• Protecting Clean Air to Breathe: Since 1970, EPA has led implementation of the Clean Air Act. Emissions of common air pollutants decreased 77% while our economy more than tripled. These pollution reductions prevented more than 2.3 million premature deaths, 200,000 heart attacks, millions of cases of respiratory problems (e.g. asthma attacks), and 135,000 hospital admissions. They also prevented 17 million lost workdays and 5 million lost school days.

Federal Efforts to Turn Back the Clock on Environmental Protection

Despite progress achieved by the EPA to protect our environment and health, the President has proposed to slash the EPA budget by 65%. In New York State and Connecticut, this would threaten EPA’s ability to address a host of issues, including:

• Protecting Clean Air: EPA leads efforts to prevent out-of-state air pollution. As much as 96% of air pollution impacting Connecticut on high ozone days originates from outside the state. High ozone contributes to respiratory problems such as asthma, with disproportionate impacts on the developing lungs of children. In New York State, studies show that approximately 60% of air pollution-related early deaths are from out-of-state emissions.

• Restoring Long Island Sound and the Great Lakes: Efforts to protect and restore Long Island Sound and the Great Lakes are funded through the EPA budget. Major cuts to these successful programs would undo years of progress, causing harm to fishing, water quality, public health, and tourism in New York and Connecticut.

• Fighting Climate Change: EPA conducts research and takes action to fight climate change. Major cuts to the EPA would eviscerate efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, protect vulnerable coastal communities, and adapt to climate change locally. Connecticut and New York are on the front lines of global climate change, with increased severe storm events, flooding, and rising sea levels threatening our coastal communities.

• Protecting Drinking Water: EPA sets and enforces standards to protect drinking water from toxic chemicals. EPA is leading efforts to remove toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” from drinking water, which has been found in numerous drinking water systems across New York and Connecticut. 

HELP PROTECT OUR LONG ISLAND SOUND

Congress Needs to Pass the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025

As an Estuary of National Significance, the immense value of the Long Island Sound (LIS) cannot be overstated. Twenty million people live within 50 miles of the Sound’s beaches. Residents of New York and Connecticut depend on the Sound for recreational opportunities, including fishing, sailing, and swimming. LI Sound is a critical component to our regional economy, generating $8.25 billion annually.

Despite the Sound’s immense value, it has been degraded by pollution, toxic algae blooms, and other threats. However, we are making progress in the fight for clean water!  Funding provided by the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act helps to advance restoration, however, problems persist. The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023—Congress must act immediately to reauthorize this critical legislation to maintain progress in restoring the health of the Long Island Sound.  Email your two U.S. Senators and representative in the U.S. today and urge them to support the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025, which will provide up to $65 million annually through 2029.

Background

History of the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act
In 1985, Congress created the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to identify and address the major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS is authorized at $40 million annually through the LIS Restoration Act. The LISS is a collaborative effort, which includes government agencies, not-for-profits, and individuals, all working to restore and protect the Sound and its watershed. Through the LISS, a bi-state Comprehensive Management Plan has been developed and is being implemented.

In 2006, Congress passed the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which is authorized at $25 million annually. This important legislation identifies key areas surrounding the Sound and provides funding for preservation and public access improvements.

These critically important acts were later combined to create the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act, which provides up to $65 million annually in federal funding for LIS restoration. The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act expired in 2023—it is critically important that Congress act now to reauthorize this important program!

Progress Has Been Made, but More Work Remains
Federal funding spurred progress in restoring the Sound—reducing nitrogen pollution, reducing hypoxia (low levels of oxygen that cannot sustain marine life), improving water quality, and restoring habitat throughout the LIS watershed. There have been 2,239 acres of coastal habitat restored, 5232.35 acres of ecologically important habitat preserved, and 432.9 miles of new fish passage created. Pods of dolphins can be spotted in the Sound during summer months, which is another key indicator of progress.

Although progress has been made, more needs to be done. Hypoxia still persists in summer months, toxic algae blooms are found in harbors and bays, nitrogen from antiquated septic systems are polluting waters, and polluted stormwater runoff continues to contaminate waters and close beaches.

LIS Funding is in Jeopardy
The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023, putting future funding for critical programs to protect and restore the Sound in limbo. Reauthorization of the LIS Restoration & Stewardship Act is needed to provide adequate funding to continue programs needed to protect public health, our local economy, and quality of life.       

The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2025, which would reauthorize the program at $65 million annually through 2029, was introduced in the House and Senate. Congress must pass this legislation immediately and fully fund the LIS program!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Long Island Climate Change Symposium

Join us to hear the facts and truth on climate change, its impacts to Long Island, and the costs of inaction. 

Farmingdale, NY - Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment is hosting a free Climate Change Symposium in Babylon. Experts will discuss the latest science on climate change and its impacts to Long Island as well as the costs of climate change to the public.  

We are excited to welcome Dr. Paul Shepson, Dean of The School for Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, Stony Brook University, as our keynote speaker. There will also be a panelist discussion featuring Dr. J Bret Bennington, Professor and Chair of the Dept of Geology, Environment, and Sustainability, Hofstra University. 

The symposium will conclude with a Community Q&A session.

Long Island Climate Change Symposium 

Date: Thursday, April 10

Location: Babylon Town Hall, 200 Sunrise Hwy, Lindenhurst, NY

Time: 9:30am - 12pm 

Registration: https://tinyurl.com/climate-symposium