conservation

State extends deadline for Brookhaven landfill cleanup report

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

New York to Phase In Protections for Horseshoe Crabs

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation that will ultimately ban the catch and biomedical use of the crabs.

New York State will phase out the catch of horseshoe crabs in its waters for bait and biomedical use over the next four years, beginning in 2026.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Advocates urge Gov. Hochul to sign bill to save horseshoe crabs

Advocates urge Gov. Hochul to sign bill to save horseshoe crabs

Environmentalists are calling on New York state lawmakers to save the horseshoe crab.

Advocates rallied in Northport on Tuesday to urge Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign the “Horseshoe Crab Protection Act,” which would ban taking the animals from state waters for commercial or medical use.

Young sea turtle Elton released at Coney Island, a beacon of hope for conservation

Young sea turtle Elton released at Coney Island, a beacon of hope for conservation

CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A young sea turtle named Elton made a swift and inspiring return to the wild waters off Coney Island Wednesday, marking an encouraging moment for sea turtle conservation efforts.

The endangered Kemp’s ridley turtle was found cold-stunned on a Massachusetts beach in December 2024 and has since undergone rehabilitation thanks to dedicated partnerships and community support.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton Helps Release Rescued Endangered Sea Turtle Back into Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton Helps Release Rescued Endangered Sea Turtle Back into Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island

Event highlights the ocean health benefits of the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

Coney Island, NY, Aug. 6, 2025—New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), elected officials, and environmental leaders to release a rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtle back into the Atlantic Ocean outside the New York Aquarium. The event celebrated the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) that helps protect and restore the health of the state’s ocean and coasts.

Rescued Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Elton makes splashy return to ocean off Coney Island

Rescued Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Elton makes splashy return to ocean off Coney Island

Elton, an endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was the star of the show on Coney Island Beach on Aug. 6, as he was released into the Atlantic Ocean after a monthslong rehabilitation. 

Sen. Gillibrand, local leaders oppose federal funding cuts affecting Peconic Estuar

Sen. Gillibrand, local leaders oppose federal funding cuts affecting Peconic Estuar

U.S. Senator Kristen Gillibrand paid a visit to Riverhead on Monday morning to warn about President Donald Trump’s proposed $8 million federal funding cut from the National Estuary Program, which could threaten ongoing efforts to maintain and restore the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound.

In Riverhead, Gillibrand Sounds The Alarm On The Disastrous $8 Million Cut To National Estuary Program Funding Proposed In FY26 Budget That Would Endanger Americans’ Health

In Riverhead, Gillibrand Sounds The Alarm On The Disastrous $8 Million Cut To National Estuary Program Funding Proposed In FY26 Budget That Would Endanger Americans’ Health

Contaminated water can lead to a plethora of health risks; cutting funding to maintain estuary water quality will endanger Americans’ well-being

Today, U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand sounded the alarm on the proposed $8 million funding cut from the National Estuary Program (NEP) in the president’s FY26 budget. The NEP works to maintain and restore water quality of 28 estuaries across the United States, including the Peconic Estuary and Long Island Sound. Without sufficient funding, the NEP will not be able to monitor New York’s estuaries and keep them safe from threats such as excess nitrogen pollution, pathogens, and harmful algal blooms, which have been shown to be harmful to public health and the environment. Funding to restore and protect our estuaries also boosts coastal resilience from storms, improves tourism and recreation, and supports local jobs.

Sen. Gillibrand, environmental advocates urge full funding for National Estuaries Program

Sen. Gillibrand, environmental advocates urge full funding for National Estuaries Program

United States Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand came to Riverhead today to warn that the president’s proposed $8 million funding cut from the National Estuary Program could jeopardize ongoing efforts to protect and restore the Peconic Estuary.

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