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Highlights
Fighting to Save the Horseshoe Crab!
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 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. In order to save the horseshoe crab, the New York State Legislature passed a bill to ban harvesting of horseshoe crabs. Now, we need Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law. In October, we held a rally and press conference on Long Island with dozens of our environmental partners highlighting the importance of saving this crucial species and urging the Governor to sign the bill this year. If you haven’t yet, email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign this important bill into law!
Clean Drinking Water for Calverton on Long Island!
We joined the Suffolk County Water Authority and Suffolk County Supervisor Ed Romaine for a press conference last month to celebrate a major water expansion along South River Road in Calverton, NY. Ever since PFAS was discovered in 2022, we have been working alongside community members to advocate for funding to build this expansion and get residents hooked up to public water. We are happy to share that this $8.65 multi-phase project installed 20,000 ft of new water main, providing 92 additional homes with access to clean drinking water, replacing private wells, and ensuring protection from PFAS contamination!
Adrienne Esposito Receives Green Biz Award!
Our Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito, was honored through the Long Island Green Biz award from L.I. Herald for her decades of environmental advocacy in October. It was a great event, thank you to the Herald and congratulations to all the award recipients!
Happenings
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 and Congress have proposed to cut funding for critical clean water infrastructure programs. 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. As Congress works to finalize a 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!
Reducing Stormwater Runoff in Suffolk County
A new study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will monitor water quality and study the harmful effects of stormwater runoff of 5 waterways in Suffolk County. This $1.5 million initiative will help improve water quality by monitoring the effects of nitrogen pollution into our ocean, rivers, bays, and groundwater. We spoke in support of this new initiative alongside our environmental partners, Legislator Flotteron and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. This is a big step towards reducing polluted stormwater runoff into our streams.
Patchogue Village Composting Program
We are joining the Village of Patchogue to 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. We still have spots available to participate in the program. This program is for Village residents only and it’s free to participate. Sign up for more information here.
Upcoming: Lunch and Learn: South Fork and Sunrise Wind Updates
It's officially been one year since South Fork Wind, America's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, began its operations. To highlight its success, Orsted will be joining us and our Wind Works partners for a Lunch and Learn webinar on November 19th from 12:00pm – 1:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how the South Fork Wind Farm is powering 70,000 homes and strengthening our energy grid. There will also be an update about Sunrise Wind, which is currently under construction and will power 600,000 Long Island homes. Register today!
Upcoming: Long Island Climate Change Communi-Tea Meeting
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 have held great events in Brentwood and Medford so far. Thanks to all who came out and participated in the discussion. We have another scheduled for East Northport in November. Register here.
