2025

Governor Hochul Celebrates Landmark $3.8 Billion Investment in Water Infrastructure During SFY 2025

Governor Hochul Celebrates Landmark $3.8 Billion Investment in Water Infrastructure During SFY 2025

$1.1 Billion in Targeted Grants are Making Projects Affordable for Communities

 New SFY 2025 Clean Water Funding Report Details Coordinated Efforts of Seven Agencies

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the State’s $3.8 billion investment in local water infrastructure projects during State Fiscal Year 2025. A newly released New York State Clean Water Funding Report shows that New York delivered $1.1 billion in water quality grants in a single fiscal year, significantly reducing costs for local governments, families and businesses. Governor Hochul’s administration is providing unprecedented support to advance drinking water, wastewater and stormwater upgrades that are protecting public health and the environment, building community resiliency, improving quality of life and creating good-paying jobs.

How the EPA says cleanups are working at 5 Long Island Superfund sites

How the EPA says cleanups are working at 5 Long Island Superfund sites

Cleanup remedies at five Long Island hazardous waste sites "continue to be effective in protecting human health," the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said this week, though some of the toxic areas need continued monitoring. 

The agency conducted the federally mandated reviews at Superfund sites located in Glen Cove, Port Jefferson Station, Franklin Square and East Farmingdale. Across New York, New Jersey and Puerto Rico, 32 federal Superfund sites were appraised, which happen every five years, the EPA said. 

Trump Puts Brakes on Two New York Offshore Wind Projects

Trump Puts Brakes on Two New York Offshore Wind Projects

The Trump administration on Monday renewed their campaign against two offshore wind projects in New York waters.

Citing unspecified national security risks, the U.S. Department of the Interior “paused” the leases for the Empire Wind and Sunrise Wind projects, both already under construction, plus three additional major offshore wind projects in other states.

Hochul signs Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, setting phase-out of harvesting in New York

Hochul signs Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, setting phase-out of harvesting in New York

Gov. Kathy Hochul yesterday signed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, legislation that will phase out the taking of horseshoe crabs from New York waters for commercial and biomedical purposes over a three-year transition period, with a full prohibition taking effect in 2029, according to the bill’s lead Assembly sponsor, Deborah Glick.  

Environmental Advocates Celebrate Passage Of Horseshoe Crab Protection Legislation

Environmental Advocates Celebrate Passage Of Horseshoe Crab Protection Legislation

NEW YORK — Environmental advocates are rejoicing after news that Governor Kathy Hochul has signed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, which will phase out harvesting horseshoe crabs from New York waters. 

The Horseshoe Crab Protection Act prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs from state waters for commercial and biomedical uses, environmental advocates said.

Excessive lead levels found in water at schools across Long Island

Excessive lead levels found in water at schools across Long Island

Testing is underway at dozens of Long Island schools after lead was found in the water in both Nassau and Suffolk counties. It comes after New York changed the acceptable levels of lead that can be found in school drinking water. NBC New York’s Greg Cergol reports.

Hundreds of schools across New York must remove their old water fountains

Hundreds of schools across New York must remove their old water fountains

Lead testing shows more than one-third of school buildings exceed the state's lead limit. CBS News New York's Carolyn Gusoff explains the numbers and what districts have to do next.

Dozens of Long Island school districts test positive for lead in water

Dozens of Long Island school districts test positive for lead in water

According to the state, more than 40 school districts in Suffolk County and over 20 districts in Nassau County have faucets or water fountains with lead levels exceeding the state’s newly enforced limit.

New data from the New York State Department of Health shows that dozens of Long Island school districts have tested positive for lead in their drinking water, prompting concerns among parents and advocates and requiring districts to take corrective action.

Elevated lead levels found in drinking water at Farmingdale schools

Elevated lead levels found in drinking water at Farmingdale schools

Water testing revealed elevated lead levels at several school buildings, prompting shutoffs, repairs, and plans to replace older fountains

The Farmingdale School District is notifying parents after recent testing found elevated levels of lead in drinking water at several school buildings.

Suffolk County Legislator Englebright honors CCE for 40 years of advocacy

Suffolk County Legislator Englebright honors CCE for 40 years of advocacy

Suffolk County Legislator Steven Englebright (D-Setauket) invited Citizens Campaign for the Environment co-founder Adrienne Esposito and CCE board and staff members to the Suffolk County Legislature’s Nov. 25th General Meeting to honor them for 40 years of advocacy. Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey (R-Lindenhurst) joined Englebright at the podium, where the CCE team received a proclamation along with flowers and balloons.

Smallest low-oxygen 'dead zones' in Long Island Sound since 1987

Smallest low-oxygen 'dead zones' in Long Island Sound since 1987

Low-oxygen areas in Long Island Sound dropped last summer to the smallest footprint recorded in nearly 40 years, according to data from Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

"This is great news," said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment in Farmingdale. "This is what happens when you have reliable funding, meaningful collaboration, strong public support, and good science — all working together."

Long Islanders Call on Gov. Hochul to Sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Bill into Law

Long Islanders Call on Gov. Hochul to Sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Bill into Law

Will New York Governor Kathy Hochul sign or again veto a bill to protect horseshoe crabs that, by large majorities, passed again in the State Legislature earlier this year? Hochul vetoed the same bill last year.

Esposito: For reliable power, Long Island needs offshore wind

Esposito: For reliable power, Long Island needs offshore wind

In Brief:

  • Experts warn New York could face energy shortages as early as 2027.

  • Offshore wind offers clean, reliable power and price stability.

  • South Fork Wind Farm already powers 70,000 Long Island homes.

  • Upgraded transmission and new wind projects are urgently needed.

This fall, New Yorkers across the state showed up and spoke up to demand clean, affordable, reliable, safe and healthy energy infrastructure during the state’s energy plan hearings. Tragically, the Trump administration is wreaking havoc on our nation’s clean energy progress, making it more important than ever for New York to step up and lead the way to the sustainable, resilient system we need. Right now, we’re not on track.

DEC Releases Final Long Island Watershed Action Agenda Five-Year Blueprint Outlines Plan to Advance Long Island’s Clean Water Goals

DEC Releases Final Long Island Watershed Action Agenda Five-Year Blueprint Outlines Plan to Advance Long Island’s Clean Water Goals

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the release of the finalized Long Island Watershed Action Agenda (PDF). The Action Agenda is a clear-cut blueprint for water quality improvements, aquatic habitat conservation, groundwater protection, and the public engagement necessary to ensure success for the surface, coastal, and ground waters of Nassau and Suffolk counties.

SCWA Completes Phase 1 of Water Main Project

SCWA Completes Phase 1 of Water Main Project

The Suffolk County Water Authority (SCWA) has completed the first phase of one of their most ambitious projects in decades. The South River Road water main is set to bring clean water to residences in Calverton whose wells have been impacted by PFAS – otherwise known as “forever chemicals.”

Don’t be crabby, environmental groups tell Hochul

Don’t be crabby, environmental groups tell Hochul

Northport Harbor was the backdrop for a press conference on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at which a coalition of environmental groups asked Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation to protect the horseshoe crab in New York State. 

Environmentalists rally for Horseshoe Crab Protection Act at Northport Harbor

Environmentalists rally for Horseshoe Crab Protection Act at Northport Harbor

On Oct 7, representatives from 15 environmentalist groups gathered in Northport Harbor to rally for the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act (S.4289/A.4997), which would ban the harvesting of horseshoe crabs in New York for commercial and biomedical use. A study released last month, authored by Dr. Rebha Raviraj from Maritime Aquarime at Norwalk, showed a decrease of 2-9% in horseshoe crab populations in the Long Island Sound. At the event, Dr. Raviraj described the losses across the 46-year study as “very significant,” linking them to habitat loss, over-harvesting, insufficient management practices, and climate change.

COMING UP ON OUR CALENDAR

 
Featured
Lunch & Learn: PFAS and Produce on Long Island
Mar 5
Lunch & Learn: PFAS and Produce on Long Island
Protecting New York's Horseshoe Crabs
Mar 5
Protecting New York's Horseshoe Crabs
Long Island Youth Climate Summit (LIYCS)
Mar 10
Long Island Youth Climate Summit (LIYCS)
Long Island Lobby Day 2026
Mar 11
Long Island Lobby Day 2026
Long Island Sound Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
Mar 12
Long Island Sound Citizens Advisory Committee Meeting
Pollinator Garden Community Meeting
Apr 16
Pollinator Garden Community Meeting