Save the Horseshoe Crab!

 
 

Join us for a Rally and Press Conference Urging Governor Hochul to Sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into Law!

Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 350 million years, having shared this planet with the dinosaurs. Sadly, the species is now vulnerable to local extinction unless action is taken soon. Horseshoe crab populations are being depleted!  Commercial fishermen catch them and chop them up for use as bait for conch and eel. Horseshoe crabs are an essential species in the food web—a decline in their population is harming the ecosystem and threatening bird species that depend upon the crabs for food.

The New York State Legislature passed a bill to ban harvesting of horseshoe crabs. Now Governor Hochul needs to act and sign this critical legislation into law this year! 

Join us for a rally and press conference and urge Governor Hochul to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law!

When: Tuesday, October 7th at 11:00 am

Where: The WaterFront Center, 1 West End Ave, Oyster Bay, NY

Even if you cannot attend the rally, you can still help! Email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign this important bill into law! 

Background

Why are Horseshoe Crabs Important?
Horseshoe Crabs are an integral part of the ecosystem and act as a keystone species in the food web. Each spring, horseshoe crabs travel from deep Atlantic waters to the shore for their breeding season. Beaches are stormed with mating horseshoe crabs, with females laying tens of thousands of eggs at a time in clusters buried under the sand. Every year, horseshoe crabs lay their eggs on beaches at full and new moon high tides from April to June.

Millions of shorebirds stop along our Atlantic beaches to nourish themselves on horseshoe crab eggs. These eggs are the single most important food source for migrating shorebirds, including threatened birds, such as the Red Knot. Experts predict that the Red Knot may become extinct in the coming years, unless more protective measures are undertaken to protect horseshoe crabs. The Red Knot was listed as an endangered species in May of this year. Furthermore, sharks, sea turtles, sportfish and other species also feed on horseshoe crabs, making them a critical component of the food web.

Biomedical Uses
The blood of horseshoe crabs contains a critical component, Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate, known as LAL. This unique compound clots when exposed to bacteria or bacterial endotoxins. Some medical equipment and devices such as IV tubing are also tested with LAL. Currently, scientists have created synthetic compounds that reproduce LAL, which are now being used by Pfizer, Eli Lilly and other leading pharmaceutical companies. There have been NO permits issued in over a decade for the harvesting of horseshoe crabs for medical uses in NY waters. All the permitted harvesting of horseshoe crabs is for fishing. 

Horseshoe Crabs Under Threat
For decades, horseshoe crabs were looked upon as unimportant to our waters. They are slow to mature and therefore are susceptible to harvesting pressures. Horseshoe crabs were once used as fertilizer and livestock feed, which almost led to their populations being wiped out in the 1940s. In the 1970s, the population recovered only to see resurgence in their use as bait for eel, conch, and whelk fisheries. The horseshoe crabs are chopped up and used as bait by commercial fisherman.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission reported horseshoe crab stocks have been in decline for at least 15 years. Horseshoe crab populations were rated as “good” in 2009 but declined to “poor” in 2019. Newly published research shows horseshoe crab populations in Long Island Sound are falling by up to 9% each year, according to more than four decades of monitoring data. Study sites for this data include the Inner & Outer Norwalk Harbor, Manhasset Bay, Little Neck Bay, Central Sound, Peconic Bay, and Niantic Bay. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed horseshoe crabs as vulnerable to local extinction in our region. The importance of horseshoe crabs to our ecosystem and the growing threat to the survival of the species had led other states, including Delaware, Connecticut, and New Jersey, to implement policies banning the taking of horseshoe crabs. 

New York State Needs a Ban on Horseshoe Crab Harvesting
This year, the New York State Senate and Assembly introduced and passed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act (S.4289 / A.4997), which prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical uses. This legislation will allow New York to restore the population of horseshoe crabs and ensure the survival of this species for future generations. Neighboring states, including Connecticut, have already enacted similar legislation. It is time for NY to step up and ban the harvesting of horseshoe crabs—Governor Hochul must sign this important bill into law! 

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of Us at CCE

Highlights and Happenings: August 2025

 

Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. 
Make a contribution today.

 

Highlights

Come Celebrate at our 40th Birthday Bash! 

We’ve reached a significant milestone, and we would love to have you celebrate with us! We’re pleased to announce we are hosting a special event this year – a CCE Birthday Bash! Come celebrate our 40th year of working to protect our environment and public health on Thursday, September 25, 2025, 6:00pm–10:00pm at The Piermont in Babylon, Long Island. Tickets and sponsorships can be directly purchased here. 

Celebrating Historic Clean Water Investments in New York! 
Our advocacy is working! Last month we celebrated historic clean water funding—New York State invested a record $3.4 billion into water infrastructure over the past year. In communities from Buffalo to Long Island, this critical funding is helping to ensure safe drinking water, stop sewage overflows, reduce flooding, and more! Thank you Governor Kathy Hochul for your leadership on clean water and for this game-changing investment in clean water. We celebrated this historic milestone at an event with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton, NY Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley, NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation President Maureen Coleman, Congressman Paul D. Tonko, and our partners at The Nature Conservancy and New York League of Conservation Voters. 

Releasing “Elton” the Sea Turtle Back into the Atlantic! 
We had a fabulous day at the New York Aquarium last month with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, Wildlife Conservation Society, and NRDC for the release of an endangered Kemp’s Ridley sea turtle. The turtle, named Elton, was rehabbed at Atlantic Marine Conservation Society’s facility In Westhampton and then released back into the Atlantic Ocean. These programs are made possible with funding from the NYS Environmental Protection Fund. You can watch the event and turtle release here. 

Happenings

Demanding Better from Micron’s Proposed Semiconductor Plant in CNY
A proposed Micron semiconductor facility is currently undergoing environmental review in Onondaga County, and we are working to minimize its environmental impact. We submitted comments with our concerns about the facility’s planned use of PFAS chemicals, which pose significant risks to drinking water, public health, and the environment. We also criticized the destruction of ecologically valuable wetlands and lack of meaningful mitigation measures, as well as the failure to adequately address impacts to water quality in this water-rich region. Thanks to all who helped to amplify these concerns by submitting public comments! 

Opposing Federal Funding Cuts to Clean Water 
New York and Connecticut’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is aging and failing, putting our economy, health, and environment at risk. Regrettably, the President has proposed to slash critical clean water infrastructure programs by nearly 90%, which if adopted, would severely worsen NY and CT’s clean water challenges. Significant funding cuts would hamper our ability to stop sewage overflows, treat drinking water for toxic emerging contaminants, make drinking water affordable to all, and create good-paying jobs. Congress has the power to fully fund these programs in the federal budget. We are pushing for NY and CT’s Congressional Delegations to reject these draconian cuts and protect clean water funding! Contact your two U.S. Senators and Representative in the U.S. House today and urge them to support full clean water funding! 

Updates on Our Work to Advance Offshore Wind:  
• Team Green: Our wonderful summer interns finished up this August after a summer of educating the public on offshore wind. They met tens of thousands of Long Islanders at events at beaches, festivals, and events, particularly along the south shore. At the Energy & Infrastructure Open House at Stony Brook University, they joined energy developers, LI Labor unions, and state workforce development representatives to offer valuable insight into career pathways into offshore wind and solar industries—a great event!

• Saying Yes to Battery Energy Storage: As part of NY’s transition to renewable energy, especially offshore wind, we will need to use battery energy storage systems (BESS). BESS systems store energy from renewable energy sources and deliver it when electricity demand is greatest, helping to create a more reliable grid. This summer, New York’s Intra-Agency Fire Safety Task Force adopted the most stringent, protective fire code in the country for BESS to ensure they can be built safely and sited properly. However, several Long Island towns persist with moratoriums on BESS. In August, we went to Town of Islip to urge the Town Board not to approve a 12-month moratorium on battery storage systems. The vote will be held at the Town Board Meeting on September 16th, we hope you can join us and stand in support of BESS.

Fire Island – Ocean, Bay to Tap 
We joined Rob DiGiovanni with the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and Carl Lobue with The Nature Conservancy on Fire Island for Ocean, Bay to Tap: 2025 Water Quality Update in Fire Island. We had a great panel presentation and discussion with Fire Island residents at the Saltaire Library about how to protect our water and marine life. Topics included PFAS contamination, whale facts, and water quality updates on the bay. Thank you to the wonderful residents for hosting this important discussion. 

Long Island Climate Change Communi-Tea Meetings 

Long Island is already experiencing the effects of climate change, from rising temperatures, flooding, extreme weather and much more. It’s more important now to get the facts and hear the truth. We have launched a series of community meetings to deliver an informative, science-based presentation where we will dive into local environmental issues and explore the inspiring work happening across Long Island to transition to renewable energy and strengthen our climate resiliency. We held two great events in August, one in Brentwood and one in Medford. Thanks to all who came out and participated in the discussion. We have another scheduled for East Northport this fall. Register here. 

Upcoming: Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition Conference in Rochester 
We are excited to have this national Great Lakes conference come to Rochester, NY, on September 25 & 26! The conference will feature topical and varied plenaries and workshops, exciting field trips in and around Rochester, and abundant chances to meet and network with Great Lakes advocates from around the region. Learn more and register here. 

Upcoming: Patchogue Village Composting Program 

This fall the Village of Patchogue will launch a residential composting program, the first of its kind on Long Island! This will help reduce waste and increase organics recycling as Long Island faces a solid waste crisis. This program is for Village residents only. Register here. We hope to see you there on September 17th at 7pm at the Patchogue-Medford Library. 

Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk County homeowners will soon be able to upgrade to enhanced septic systems that reduce dangerous nitrogen pollution at a higher discounted rate, thanks to a surge of state funding announced Wednesday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Wednesday morning at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood that increases the reimbursement rate for installation of an enhanced septic system to 75%, or up to $25,000. The governor also announced Suffolk County will receive $20 million in new grant funding it can use toward its Septic Improvement Program that provides homeowners $10,000 grants for the upgrade.

State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County

State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County

New York State is increasing funding for grants that Suffolk County residents can use to replace outdated septic and cesspool systems with newer, advanced systems that reduce the contaminants wastewater releases into the environment.

Gov. Hochul signs bill providing grants to New Yorkers for new septic systems

Gov. Hochul signs bill providing grants to New Yorkers for new septic systems

The goal is to make new and improved septic systems affordable to the public.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new septic bill that would provide a $25,000 grant to people with old and polluting cesspools.

Governor Hochul Announces $30 Million and Signs Legislation to Make it More Affordable to Protect Water Quality from Failing Septic Systems

Governor Hochul Announces $30 Million and Signs Legislation to Make it More Affordable to Protect Water Quality from Failing Septic Systems

Legislation S8241-A/A8807 Makes It Easier and More Cost-Effective for New Yorkers to Upgrade to Advanced Septic Systems That Significantly Reduce Water Pollution

State Septic System Replacement Program Targets Priority Geographic Areas Like Long Island Which Rely on Sole-Source Aquifers

Funding Incentivizes Replacement of Old Septic and Cesspool Systems to Prevent Water Pollution

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, on Long Island, criticizes proposed National Estuary Program budget cuts

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, on Long Island, criticizes proposed National Estuary Program budget cuts

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was on Long Island Monday to harshly criticize the proposed $8 million in funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s 2026 budget for the National Estuary Program, which supports clean water initiatives, including those on the Island.

Sen. Gillibrand, local leaders oppose federal funding cuts affecting Peconic Estuar

Sen. Gillibrand, local leaders oppose federal funding cuts affecting Peconic Estuar

U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand paid a visit to Riverhead on Monday morning to warn about President Donald Trump’s proposed $8 million federal funding cut from the National Estuary Program, which could threaten ongoing efforts to maintain and restore the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound.

Village Earns Competitive Grant Funding for Pollinator Gardens

Village Earns Competitive Grant Funding for Pollinator Gardens

The Village of Port Jefferson is one of several Long Island municipalities and organizations sharing more than $600,000 in grants aimed at creating new pollinator gardens. 

Pollinator gardens are floral areas stocked with specific nectar- and pollen-producing plants meant to attract bees, moths, beetles and other pollinating insects responsible for pollinating about three-quarters of the world’s plant life.

In Riverhead, Gillibrand Sounds The Alarm On The Disastrous $8 Million Cut To National Estuary Program Funding Proposed In FY26 Budget That Would Endanger Americans’ Health

In Riverhead, Gillibrand Sounds The Alarm On The Disastrous $8 Million Cut To National Estuary Program Funding Proposed In FY26 Budget That Would Endanger Americans’ Health

Contaminated water can lead to a plethora of health risks; cutting funding to maintain estuary water quality will endanger Americans’ well-being

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sounded the alarm on the proposed $8 million funding cut from the National Estuary Program (NEP) in the president’s FY26 budget. The NEP works to maintain and restore water quality of 28 estuaries across the United States, including the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound. Without sufficient funding, the NEP will not be able to monitor New York’s estuaries and keep them safe from threats such as excess nitrogen pollution, pathogens, and harmful algal blooms, which have been shown to be harmful to public health and the environment. Funding to restore and protect our estuaries also boosts coastal resilience from storms, improves tourism and recreation, and supports local jobs.

Sen. Gillibrand, environmental advocates urge full funding for National Estuaries Program

Sen. Gillibrand, environmental advocates urge full funding for National Estuaries Program

United States Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand came to Riverhead today to warn that the president’s proposed $8 million funding cut from the National Estuary Program could jeopardize ongoing efforts to protect and restore the Peconic Estuary.

With their wild look, native gardens bloom despite cultural and social hurdles

With their wild look, native gardens bloom despite cultural and social hurdles

Xilin Zhang was tired of the pressures of maintaining the “perfect lawn,” she said.

So Zhang, a homeowner in the village of New Hyde Park, yanked out her grass and turned her front lawn into a native plant garden: She planted milkweed, false sunflower, New York Ironweed and other plants native to the area. She began the work in 2021 and, over the past few years, her yard started to look like a “little national park,” she said, and was better for the environment, too.

PSC cancels New York power line project for offshore wind energy

PSC cancels New York power line project for offshore wind energy

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR) — New York’s Public Service Commission decided on Thursday to stop the project that would bring offshore wind power to New York City. They said that their decision would protect New Yorkers from paying for expensive power lines that might not be needed soon.

Source of oil spill in East Rockaway’s Mill River remains unknown

Source of oil spill in East Rockaway’s Mill River remains unknown

Crews have been using absorbent materials to soak up the oil and bagging the contaminated debris for disposal. Trucks have been hauling away the waste as quickly as it’s collected.

An oil spill continues to spread through Mill River in East Rockaway. Since Monday night, hundreds of gallons of oil have leaked into the waterway. Although cleanup efforts are underway, the exact source of the spill has not yet been located.

What’s In The Water: Exclusive look inside Yale University labs to study impacts 1,4 dioxane on the human body

What’s In The Water: Exclusive look inside Yale University labs to study impacts 1,4 dioxane on the human body

News 12 is providing an exclusive look inside the labs at Yale University as researchers search for answers about how 1,4 dioxane impacts the human body.

What’s In The Water: Groundbreaking study offers insight into potential carcinogen in LI drinking water

What’s In The Water: Groundbreaking study offers insight into potential carcinogen in LI drinking water

News 12’s What’s In The Water series offers an exclusive look at a Yale University study into 1,4 dioxane and what the study will reveal about the dangers lurking in your drinking water.

A first-in-the-nation study hopes to answer questions about an emerging contaminant in Long Island water - and whether it can cause cancer.

DEC declares majority of Lawrence Aviation site ‘requires no further clean-up’

DEC declares majority of Lawrence Aviation site ‘requires no further clean-up’

On July 2, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation gathered with local officials at Port Jefferson’s former Lawrence Aviation site to announce the proposed delisting of 96% of the land from the New York State Superfund Registry.

Republicans and Democrats Finally Agree on Nuclear. It’s the Industry That’s the Problem.

Republicans and Democrats Finally Agree on Nuclear. It’s the Industry That’s the Problem.

The atomic age is perpetually on the verge of dawning.

Nuclear power is a political winner — but not a money saver. Just ask Tim Echols.

Echols’ term on the Georgia Public Service Commission is up this year, and unlike most states, his position is an elected one.

He says the Vogtle nuclear plant has been a campaign issue — it’s hiked customers’ bills by about 12 percent since coming fully online last year, $21 billion over budget and seven years behind schedule — but that his opponents haven’t been able to weaponize it. He won his Republican primary resoundingly last month.

COMING UP ON OUR CALENDAR

 
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Climate Change CommuniTEA Meeting
Nov 18
Climate Change CommuniTEA Meeting