For immediate release: Wednesday, May 3, 2023
For more information, contact:
Brian Smith, CCE Associate Executive Director, 716-831-3206, bsmith@citizenscampaign.org
Maureen Murphy, CCE Executive Programs Manager, 516-390-7150, mmurphy@citizenscampaign.org
Budget provides robust funding for critical environmental programs
Albany, NY—Last night the New York State Legislature wrapped up voting on the final SFY 2023-24 budget, which included funding for a host of important environmental programs. In response, Brian Smith, Associate Executive Director at Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE), said:
“The final budget continues to fund programs that are critical to protect clean water, safeguard public health, fight climate change, and support environmental justice. Staffing for environmental agencies increased, with 265 positions added across multiple agencies that are needed for implementation of the state’s recently adopted environmental bond act. We commend the Governor, Senate and Assembly for continuing New York’s strong national leadership in protecting our environment.
The Clean Water Infrastructure Act was again funded at $500 million, bringing the total investment up to $5 billion since 2017. This nation-leading program is helping to protect drinking water from emerging contaminants, reduce harmful sewage overflows, create jobs, and so much more. The NYS Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) was again funded at $400 million, matching the program’s all-time high. Within the EPF, we are thrilled that the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) program funding doubled from last year, up to $2 million. This additional funding for the SSER will help accomplish new priorities and goals aimed at protecting and restoring this critical natural resource.
CCE thanks the Governor and legislature for setting the stage to create a unified wastewater district in Suffolk County. This will allow the public to vote for clean water this November. This initiative is a vital step forward to restore water quality in our local rivers, bays, and harbors.
We now look forward to working with the legislature and Governor to tackle the state’s environmental needs that were not addressed in the budget before the end of session, including passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, Birds and Bees Protection Act, and a host of bills needed to protect clean water and public health from dangerous PFAS chemicals.”
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