“Christmas has come early for the horseshoe crabs!” exclaimed Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, following New York Governor Kathy Hochul’s signing of the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act last month. The new law bans the removal of horseshoe crabs for bait and biomedical uses in New York waters by 2029.
Newsday - NYS Budget: What's included for transportation, environment, economic development
State extends deadline for Brookhaven landfill cleanup report
State environmental conservation officials have given Brookhaven Town an additional three months to recommend cleanup plans for a miles-long toxic plume emanating from the town landfill.
The Department of Environmental Conservation set a new May 1 deadline for finishing the report, which is expected to outline plans for cleaning up the landfill after groundwater testing in 2023 discovered so-called "forever chemicals" in the plume, which extends about 4 miles from Brookhaven hamlet south toward Bellport Bay.
New York to Phase In Protections for Horseshoe Crabs
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
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.
Environmentalists Celebrate Horseshoe Crab Win
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
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
Hundreds of schools across New York must remove their old water fountains
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
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
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."
Advocates warn Hudson Valley water systems may contain lead pipes
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
Residents speak out at state energy plan hearing in Stony Brook
On Sept. 29, a mix of grassroots organizers, student activists, utility workers, elected officials, and environmental professionals voiced varying priorities at the New York State draft energy plan hearing at Stony Brook University. The university saw multiple outdoor rallies in addition to 2 ½ hours of public comments on the 15-year plan, with concerns covering jobs, affordability, environmental safety, and more.
Editorial: Federal money, not delays needed to protect the water we drink
No place could be more impacted than Nassau County by the EPA’s decision to postpone by two years the deadline for water utilities to comply with new federal water standards for PFAS until 2031.
These chemicals are dangerous, having been linked to a large number of illnesses – kidney cancer, testicular cancer, high cholesterol, immune suppression, thyroid disease, and pregnancy complications.

