State officials plan to boost funding for the Clean Vessel Assistance Program, a grant initiative that helps marinas install and upgrade boat pump-out stations that reduce water pollution.
New York sues chemical manufacturers over PFAS in consumer goods
New York attorney general Letitia James sued chemical manufacturers (PDF) 3M, DuPont, Corteva, Chemours, and EIDP in state court on July 9 for their role in contributing to pollution and other alleged harms from the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in consumer products.
New York sues chemical giants over PFAS, the ‘forever chemicals’ found in Long Island drinking water
Navy risks public trust, progress in Calverton cleanup
A U.S. Navy official made a stunning admission last month, one that residents and Suffolk County officials had already suspected. For over a year the Navy withheld from the public test results that found dangerously high levels of the chemical PFOS in fish and the waters in Swan Pond near the former Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant in Calverton.
Water conservation urged as Long Island remains in drought status
As the mercury rises, the Long Island Water Conference is urging residents to conserve water in ways that are good for the environment and your wallet.
With Long Island already classified by the federal government as being in a severe drought , the organization is encouraging residents to save water, both in the short and long term. LIWC represents the major public and private water suppliers that provide drinking water to almost 90% of the island's population.
A Ticking Time Bomb on Fort Pond?
The East Hampton Energy Storage Center, which caught fire in 2023, and as a result, according to a recent lawsuit filed by the Suffolk County Water Authority, leaked perfluoropropionic acid, a so-called “forever chemical,” into the groundwater and the water authority’s nearby wells is not unique in the Town of East Hampton.
Huntington officials approve 6-month battery storage moratorium
The Huntington Town Board has approved a six-month moratorium on permits and approvals for the installation of battery storage systems in the town, citing ongoing concerns over fire safety.
Board member Dave Bennardo sponsored the resolution, which passed 5-0 at a board meeting last week.
Last month, Bennardo hosted a meeting with fire chiefs from Greenlawn, Centerport and East Northport, as well as residents and some storage system representatives, to discuss the future of such facilities.
How Native Plants Pay Off for Long Island Homeowners
A new round of funding is now open to Long Island property owners willing to trade some lawn for native plants—and the reasons to apply go beyond a reimbursement check.
The Long Island Garden Rewards Program, a partnership among the Long Island Regional Planning Council, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, the Long Island Sound Partnership, the Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve Program, and NEIWPCC, offers reimbursements of up to $500 to property owners who install rain barrels, create rain gardens, or plant native species on their land. Homeowners, businesses, and nonprofits are eligible. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until funding runs out. Since the program launched in 2023, more than 580 property owners have received reimbursements.
Navy Pitches Interim PFAS Cleanup Plan at EPCAL
In the wake of pressure from Suffolk County to clean up numerous environmental issues emanating from the former Grumman plant in Calverton, consultants for the U.S. Navy have unveiled a plan to capture a groundwater plume of the emerging contaminants PFAS that is believed to be spreading toward a nearby lake and the Peconic River.
NYS adds funds for environmental work, along with climate law delay
ALBANY — The recently passed state budget includes more money for top environmental issues, like clean water, protecting Long Island’s estuaries, increasing renewable energy sources and weaning the state off fossil fuels.
But the changes to the state’s landmark climate law Gov. Kathy Hochul muscled through cast a pall over other progress environmentalists felt they made.
Navy plans PFAS treatment in Calverton amid criticism over cleanup pace, transparency
Toxic plume reaches Swan Pond, contaminates private wells near former Navy Grumman site
Community effort brings new pollinator habitat to Great Patchogue Lake
Environmental groups, alongside County Executive Ed Romaine, call for Long Island Sound protection funds
On May 14, the Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE) released a report of Long Island Sound water quality restoration projects it would like to see funded through the New York State Environmental Bond Act. The list was composed following meetings with village, town, county, and state representatives from across Long Island and shared digitally following a press conference at Northport Yacht Club.
Lee Zeldin's EPA moves to roll back standards on toxic chemicals in drinking water
Harckham, Glick, Advocates Call for Passing of Packaging Reduction Bill
Legislators joined by colleagues, environmental organizations and advocates in support of bill that will reduce packaging 30% over 12 years and save New Yorkers $1.3 billion
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Deborah Glick, along with other state legislators and a large group of environmental, consumer, public health and municipal advocates from across New York, called today for support of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (PRRIA) at a press conference in the New York State Capitol.
Trump administration moves to roll back PFAS drinking water rules
The Trump administration announced plans this week to roll back portions of the nation’s first federal drinking water standards for PFAS chemicals, drawing criticism from environmental advocates on Long Island who say the move weakens protections for communities already grappling with groundwater contamination.
Councilmember Iasilli Succeeds in Passing Landmark Legislation
SOUTHAMPTON—On May 12th, in a 4-1 vote, the Southampton Town Board officially voted to enact a new law, "Land Disturbance Ordinance," Res. No. 2026-0826, adding Article XIIIA to Chapter 330 of the Town Code. Spearheaded by Councilmember Michael A. Iasilli, and co-sponsored by Councilmember Tom Neely, this landmark legislation establishes a comprehensive permitting process for the removal of natural vegetation and significant topographic changes town wide.
EPA chief Lee Zeldin, settling into 2nd year, proposes major cuts to state grants
Brookhaven releases groundwater plume plan, but critics say it falls short
Recent water testing revealed elevated levels of several “forever chemicals,” including PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4‑dioxane.
The Town of Brookhaven has released its plan to address a toxic groundwater plume spreading from the Brookhaven Landfill — but environmental advocates say the proposal does little to actually clean up the contamination.