Highlights and Happenings: May 2020

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Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. Make a contribution today.

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Highlights

Pushing for a Green Economic Recovery for America 

As states have begun to “re-open,” we are working to ensure we build back stronger, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable than ever. In May, we kicked off our campaign to push Congress to pass a green economic stimulus, including investments in clean water infrastructure and renewable energy (and NOT fossil fuels). This would create good jobs and revitalize local economies—while protecting public health and our environment. Join us in urging Congress to act! 

We are also fighting on the state level in Connecticut for a green recovery, including rejecting fossil fuel infrastructure, investing in renewable energy resources (including offshore wind), and fully funding the CT Energy Efficiency Fund to save ratepayers money and create green jobs. Take action on this important campaign today! 

Fighting Plastic Pollution: Resuming Enforcement of Existing Laws 

Both NY and CT suspended enforcement of their bottle bill deposit programs and plastic bag laws in order to help struggling retailers during the pandemic. It is important to note that there is no scientific evidence that returning bottles or using reusable bags presents a risk to public health. While it is understandable to help busy retailers during this difficult time, as our states reopen, it is time to resume enforcement of important environmental laws to protect public health and reduce plastic pollution. In May we were busy pushing both states to resume enforcement—here is where both states currently stand: 

• Both NY and CT set a final deadline of June 3rd to resume enforcement of their bottle deposit programs (please let us know if you see stores out of compliance!). 

• Connecticut has agreed to resume its statewide plastic bag fee on June 30. 

• New York has set a date of June 15 to implement its statewide plastic bag ban. After multiple delays, we need to hold them accountable to that deadline—send state leaders an email today! 

New York Suspends Water Shutoffs! 

Water is essential to life; we cannot live without it. It is critical that every New Yorker has access to clean water, especially during the pandemic. We joined with many environmental, faith-based, labor, senior, and civil rights groups in calling for New York to suspend water shutoffs. We were thrilled when the NY legislature returned to session in May and passed legislation to prohibit utility shut-offs during the COVID-19 state of emergency, including water service shutoffs. 

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Happenings

Combating PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) Pollution 

The COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated the use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) for public health protection, but unfortunately we are seeing more plastic masks, gloves, and wipes in our parking lots and parks—contributing to plastic pollution in our communities and waterways. We are working with Nassau and Suffolk Counties in NY to pass legislation to help prevent PPE litter throughout Long Island—to both protect our environment and the health of those tasked with cleaning up the litter. You can find out more about our fight to end PPE litter here. 

Wind Works 4 Long Island 

We have joined our environmental, labor, community, and faith-based partners to launch Wind Works 4 Long Island. The coalition is a growing force behind educating the public on the science based benefits of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind. In May, we continued our work to support responsibly-sited offshore wind farms, including the South Fork Wind Farm, which will bring renewable energy to 70,000 Long Island homes. If you want to find out more about the coalition and what you can do to support offshore wind, check out the new website and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. 

America Needs a Green Economic Recovery

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Urge Congress to invest in clean water, renewable energy, and healthy communities!

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused catastrophic damage to public health and our economy in New York, Connecticut, and across our nation. Thousands and thousands of lives have been lost, unemployment has skyrocketed, and numerous businesses have shuttered. 

As our communities “re-open,” Congress is considering options to help restart the American economy. We have a unique opportunity to not simply return to business-as-usual; but rather, to build back stronger, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable than ever.  Wise investments made now will create good-paying jobs, revitalize local economies, bolster low-income communities, and protect public health and our environment. As Congress considers economic stimulus packages, they must support a green economic recovery that invests in clean water and renewable energy!

Invest in Clean Water Infrastructure  

Clean water is essential for our health, economy, recreation, and quality of life. Unfortunately, our drinking water and wastewater infrastructure are in a serious state of disrepair. The consequences of failing infrastructure are severe—sewage overflows degrade waterways, close beaches and threaten our health. Many communities struggle to provide residents with safe drinking water. 

Meeting America’s clean water infrastructure needs would create 1.3 million jobs and set the stage for economic revitalization in towns and cities across the nation. Federal investment in our water infrastructure will help ensure safe, clean, and affordable water is available to everyone.

Congress should (at least) triple funding for the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund (DWSRF) programs, to provide communities with grants (not just loans) to tackle expensive water projects.  A percentage of funding should be set-aside for low-income communities. In addition to funding traditional “grey” infrastructure pipe upgrades, funding should support “green” nature-based solutions, such as restored wetlands and rain gardens. Green infrastructure is cost-effective and provides numerous environmental benefits.

Invest in the Clean Renewable Energy 

Clean, renewable energy—such as wind and solar—reduces harmful air pollution, fights climate change, and creates good green jobs. On the other hand, continued reliance on fossil fuels makes our air unsafe to breathe, fuels climate change, and is subject to volatile price spikes. Congress must stop subsidies to the dirty, polluting fossil fuel industry, which already receives approximately $20 billion in annual subsidies. Congress should instead take this opportunity to significantly increase investments in renewable energy, beginning with the extension of important renewable energy tax credits, which will help ensure stalled projects are able to move forward.

Take Action!

Use the links below to contact your two U.S. Senators and Representative in the U.S. House. Urge them support a green economic recovery for America. Feel free to copy and personalize the sample text below for your message to elected leaders.

Contact New York State Senators:

Senator Kristin Gillibrand

Senator Chuck Schumer

Contact Connecticut Senators:

Senator Chris Murphy

Senator Richard Blumenthal 

 NY and CT: Find your U.S. House Representative here

Sample Text

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As our state and nation begins to re-open from COVID-19 shut downs, focus is shifting to how we can rebuild our economy. Rather than returning to business-as-usual, we need to use this opportunity to create a green economic recovery that invests in clean water and renewable energy. Ending our reliance on fossil fuels, bolstering clean energy, and creating good-paying green jobs is the best path forward for our economy to recover from this pandemic.  

I urge you to support an economic stimulus package that triples (at least) investment in Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs, funds clean water projects though grants with specific funding for green infrastructure and low-income communities, significantly expands wind and solar power (including the extension of the renewable production and investment tax credits), and provides NO subsidies for the fossil fuel industry.

We have the opportunity and obligation to build up our economy stronger, healthier and more environmentally sustainable than ever.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Connecticut Needs a “Green” Economic Recovery

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Tell Hartford to Invest in Clean Energy and Reject Dirty Fossil Fuels 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused catastrophic damage to public health and our economy. Thousands of lives have been lost, unemployment has skyrocketed, and businesses across Connecticut have been forced to close their doors.

 As Connecticut “re-opens,” lawmakers have a unique opportunity to not simply return to business-as-usual; but rather, to build back stronger, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable than ever. Wise investments made now can create good-paying jobs, revitalize local economies, bolster low-income communities, and protect public health. As lawmakers get back to work, they must support a sustainable economic recovery—one that protects our health and invests in our future!

Specific Actions Lawmakers Must Take: 

1. Invest in Renewable Energy and Create Green Jobs

Clean, renewable energy—such as wind and solar—reduces harmful air pollution, combats climate change, and creates good-paying green jobs. Despite this, Connecticut continues to invest in dirty fossil fuel-burning power plants and pipeline infrastructure. This continued reliance on fossil fuels makes our air less safe to breathe, leaves us vulnerable to volatile price spikes, and fuels climate change, which devastates coastal communities and threatens public health. Lawmakers in Hartford must accelerate job creation and non-polluting energy resources by requiring 100% of our electricity to be derived through clean, renewable sources by 2050! 

2. Say No to Dirty Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

Burning fossil fuels creates toxic air pollution, which contributes to serious respiratory health problems for people across Connecticut. Fossil fuels require millions in taxpayer and ratepayer subsidies each year to remain viable—resources that would be better invested in clean, non-polluting, renewable energy. All across our region, states are taking steps to block the construction of interstate oil and gas pipelines and dirty power plants, including New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Connecticut should be a leader in the fight against climate change- and that starts with rejecting new investments in fossil fuel infrastructure.

3. Increase Offshore Wind in Connecticut

Connecticut recently made progress in advancing offshore wind, but much more work remains to be done. CT enacted a law to authorize up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity generated through offshore wind. This would provide enough clean renewable power to meet roughly one-third of the state’s total energy needs. So far, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has approved just over 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind. Connecticut should continue to identify opportunities for offshore wind procurement, in order to meet the 2,000 megawatt target as soon as possible.

4. Fully Fund Important Energy Efficiency Programs

The cleanest, safest, and cheapest energy is energy that we don’t use. Connecticut’s Energy Efficiency Fund helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, creates jobs, and helps low-income households save money. Unfortunately, this fund has been raided repeatedly in recent years to fill holes in the state budget. Energy efficiency contractors have also suffered tremendous job losses as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown. Lawmakers must support this important industry by fully funding the CT Energy Efficiency Fund!

Email Connecticut’s House and Senate leadership and tell them that you support a green economic recovery for our state!

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

ENFORCE THE PLASTIC BAG BAN IN NYS

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Elected leaders and New York State agencies, including the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers—we are very grateful for their continued efforts. 

This public health crisis impacted the state’s ability to enforce certain environmental laws, however; as we “re-open” our state, it is imperative that we move to enforce laws that protect our health and environment. Laws to provide clean air, clean water, and healthy communities are as important now as ever. 

In May, CCE joined with 122 organizations from across the state in calling on the DEC to do three important things:

1. Enforce the statewide plastic bag ban. While the law took effect on March 1, due to an industry lawsuit, the state extended the start date of enforcing the bag ban until at least June 15. There is no need to delay this any further—the DEC should implement the plastic bag ban as soon as possible.

2. Inform stores that they cannot prohibit people from using their own reusable bags. CCE has received numerous reports that some stores prohibit consumers from using reusable bags. Reusable bags remain an environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective option for the public to use when shopping at the store. Currently, there is no credible peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support the claim that reusable bags contribute to the transmission of COVID-19. Retail employees may ask consumers to pack their own groceries in reusable bags out of an abundance of caution.

3. Enforce the Bottle Bill*. Adopted in 1982, the Bottle Bill has served as one of NY’s most successful environmental laws. The five-cent deposit on beverage containers has increased recycling, reduced litter, created jobs, and saved energy and natural resources.  Like other bottle deposit states, NY relaxed enforcement to help struggling retail establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The suspension was not due to public health concerns—the DEC states “there is no evidence that suggests that management of residential wastes or recyclables, including returned containers through the Bottle Bill, represents a danger to the public.” Like other bottle deposit states are doing, New York should re-start enforcement as soon as possible.

*Update: As of June 3, 2020, the New York State DEC reinstated enforcement of the Bottle Bill!  If you see covered retail establishments that are out of compliance and not taking back deposit bottles, please let the DEC know by emailing nybottle@dec.ny.gov .  

We now need members of the public to join our call for the state to take these critical steps to enforce the statewide plastic bag ban. Send a quick email to Governor Cuomo and the DEC today!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely, 
Your Friends at CCE

Protect our environment and public health—from the safety of your home!

We are all in this together, and we at CCE understand the importance of respecting social distancing during this public health crisis.  While we have had to temporarily suspend our door-to-door canvass, there are other ways we can continue to organize and keep you involved! 

1. Visit our website to stay informed and take action on important campaigns.  Sending a quick email to your representatives is an easy and effective way to ensure important environmental campaigns continue to move forward.

1. Donate online, and help support CCE’s continued work during this uncertain time.  Due to our current limitations with fundraising, this is an excellent way to keep the organization going strong!

1. Answer a call from our phone canvass organizers.  In addition to door-to-door canvassing, we call our existing membership to thank them for their support, educate them on campaigns, and get them involved in our work through donating and contacting their representatives.  We still have limited staff making these important phone calls—please answer and show your support!

Stay safe and healthy!  Thank you for your support. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Gala Postponed and New Date Confirmed

Save the Date: September 9, 2020

From all of us at CCE, we hope that you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy.  Due to the ongoing public health crisis caused by COVID-19, we have postponed our annual Environmental Equinox Awards Gala, which was originally scheduled for May 21. The event has now been rescheduled for September 9, 2020, at The Piermont in Babylon, NY. Please save the date and look for an official invitation coming your way in early summer.

 Thank you for your ongoing support during these difficult times! 

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Highlights and Happenings: March 2020

Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. Make a contribution today.

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Highlights

Continuing the Fight to Protect our Environment During this Pandemic

As we practice social distancing, largely from our homes, we are constantly reminded of how important our work continues to be.  Drinking water from our kitchen tap, using personal care products (without toxic chemicals), and visiting local parks to get fresh air and exercise—all demonstrate that our work to protect public health and the environment is as important as ever.  Sadly, the COVID-19 pandemic has necessitated that we suspend our direct grassroots outreach in order to protect the health of our employees and the public. This has created a financial hardship on us.  CCE is a strong organization with excellent staff and we are determined to weather this storm, but we truly need your help during these difficult times.  If you are in a position to do so, please consider making a financial contribution today to support our work to protect clean water, fight climate change, conserve open space, and so much more.  

Victory!  A Green Budget for New York

CCE priorities in the final New York State budget include:

• $3 Billion Environmental Bond Act: This funding will help our communities become more resilient to the challenging impacts of climate change, including increased flooding and sea level rise, while also protecting and restoring our water resources. The Bond Act will need to be approved by the voters in November.

• Ban on Styrofoam food packaging and packaging peanuts: Styrofoam litters our communities and threatens public health. There is no need to continue using this antiquated product when safe and environmentally friendly alternatives are readily available.

• Permanent ban on fracking: While Governor Cuomo wisely instituted a regulatory ban on fracking in 2015, this permanent ban set in law will help ensure the dangerous process of fracking for gas will not be taken up by future administrations.

• $500 million for clean water infrastructure: Increased investments in drinking water and wastewater infrastructure will not only protect our drinking water and reduce dangerous sewage overflows; it will help put thousands of New Yorkers to work.

• Fully funding the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $300 million: Since 1993, the EPF has been New York’s most important source of environmental funding, benefiting every community in the state. EPF projects protect drinking water, build community parks, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, and so much more.

Victory! Suffolk Legislature Votes Yes on Clean Water Plan

Nitrogen pollution from sewage and septics poses a significant threat to Long Island’s water resources. To combat this problem, Suffolk County has worked diligently to create a comprehensive Subwatersheds Wastewater Management Plan, which analyzes the sources of nitrogen pollution in 191 subwatersheds and prescribes a path for ecosystem restoration in each water body. The Suffolk County Legislature unanimously voted “yes” in March to adopt the Final Generic Environment Impact Statement (FGEIS) for the Suffolk County Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan. This vitally important vote moves the process forward and allows critical components of the plan to be considered by the Legislature in the future. 

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Happenings

Pushing for our Priority Bills in CT 

The Connecticut legislative session is currently suspended due to COVID-19, but the fight isn’t over. We spent the first half of March pushing for our priority bills and we will continue working to ensure our CT environment is protected during this shutdown. We testified at public hearings and urged key committee member to support critical bills for 2020, including phasing out toxic PFAS in firefighting foams and food service packaging, requiring testing for PFAS in public drinking water supplies, prohibiting Styrofoam food packaging, and establishing a Climate Change and Green Jobs plan for CT. Stay tuned for more information on how you can add your voice to support these important bills. 

Tackling Emerging Contaminants on Long Island 

The NYS Department of Health is in the final phase of deciding drinking water standards for 3 emerging contaminants: 1,4-dioxane, PFOS and PFOA. The quicker these standards are finalized, the sooner it will be mandated that these chemicals are filtered out of our drinking water. Bethpage and Calverton residents live in communities with water wells impacted by toxic plumes, which include the aforementioned contaminants, and will be directly impacted by these new standards. In March, we joined community groups from Calverton and Bethpage in calling on NY to move forward without further delay in setting drinking water standards for these emerging contaminants. These residents—and everyone—deserve clean drinking water! 

Fighting for the Great Lakes in D.C. 

In early March, we joined with a team of advocates from New York and traveled down to Washington D.C. for Great Lakes Days. We met with the New York congressional offices on our Great Lakes priorities: Reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, increasing funding for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure, stopping the invasion of Asian carp, fighting clean water rollbacks from the administration, and more. 

Suffolk County: Change Out Your Septic System 

While our series of community forums highlighting the importance of reducing nitrogen pollution from outdated septics and cesspools is temporarily suspended to observe social distancing recommendations, our nitrogen pollution problem is not going away. These forums are designed to help Suffolk County residents get grants to change out their old systems for new, on-site, nitrogen-reducing treatment systems and we will be picking up the series and rescheduling meetings as soon as we can. In the meantime, you can get information on the grant program or fill out an application here.