Open spaces and protected natural sites offer unparalleled opportunities to find solace and restore our sense of balance during these challenging times. The beauty and grace of our natural resources reminds us that some things remain untouched, holding promise and comfort as we navigate into the future.
Yes, Long Island is slowly recovering from the devastating financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the three-month shutdown of our public and private sectors has left the local economy in disarray. Nassau County’s 2020 projected deficit was recently revised upwards another $100 million to a stunning $384 million. And Suffolk County’s COVID-19 Fiscal Impact Task Force projected a deficit of close to $1.5 billion over the next three years. If you drill down further, Long Island’s towns, villages, and cities are also on fiscally shaky ground.
The much-anticipated but oft-delayed setting of drinking water standards for new contaminants was pushed back again when the Department of Health last week postponed another meeting of the Public Health and Health Planning Council. The blame, as with many things nowadays, is being put on the coronavirus.
Environmental initiatives are among the lesser-noted casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some are losing ground temporarily and some may be altered for the foreseeable future.
A court-ordered delay in enforcing the state’s new ban on plastic shopping bags was prolonged when the court system, operating remotely, set aside all but essential cases. Some stores had refused to accept bottles for redemption, and recycling was suspended in some localities.
Dear Friends of CCE,
We find ourselves at a watershed moment in American history. The recent wave of protests across the U.S. has shined a light on racial injustice and a lack of government leadership in our communities. CCE stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in calling for an end to systemic racism, and in demanding meaningful action from elected leaders and other decision-makers to promote tangible racial justice reforms in our country.
CCE recognizes that communities of color are also disproportionately impacted by pollution that threatens the public’s health and quality of life. That’s why we have made it part of our mission to fight for environmental justice issues that cut across environmental, economic and racial justice lines; to ensure equity and fairness in how we provide communities with access to clean air, clean water, and safe, non-polluting energy sources.
As we move forward, we must remember that a transition is only just if it is an equitable transition. As our nation moves forward we must strive to rebuild better, more sustainable, and more equitable than before. As we call for our society to do better, here at CCE, we are also looking inward and recognize that we must do better to support racial justice in all aspects of our work.
We appreciate your ongoing support through this difficult time, and we applaud the growing movement of citizen activists working to create a better future for our communities.
In solidarity,
Your friends at CCE
Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay
National Pollinator Week is just around the corner and we’re pollen out all the stops to protect our pollinators! Join us for a free virtual event (on Zoom) to learn about the un-BEE-lievable importance of pollinators, the threats facing our pollinators, and how you can help protect them.
Globally, pollinator populations are declining at a startling rate and there are many factors contributing to this trend. From the widespread use of toxic pesticides to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, these stressors are having a detrimental effect on pollinators and putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. Join us and learn more about the decline of pollinators and the actions our panelists are taking to combat the decline!
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2020
Time: 12:00pm-1:00pm
Adrienne Esposito, CCE Executive Director, will lead a discussion with our expert panel:
Deborah Klughers, Master Bee Keeper and owner and operator of Bonac Bees, will share her perspective as a bee expert (straight from the bee yard!);
Daniel Gilrein, a well known Entomologist at Cornell Cooperative Extension since 1987, will discuss the science on bees and other pollinators; and
Dan Raichel, a staff attorney and a member of the Lands & Wildlife program for Natural Resources Defense Council who has worked for years to protect bee populations from toxic pesticides, will discuss legislative and policy solutions.
Register for this free event today so you can hear from these experts and ask them questions! Once registered, you will receive a web link (via Zoom) that will allow you to join the discussion.
Thank you for joining us. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
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.
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.
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.
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:
Contact Connecticut Senators:
NY and CT: Find your U.S. House Representative here
Sample Text
----------------------------------------------
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.
----------------------------------------------
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!
Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels
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:
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.
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.
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 .
Thank you for taking action!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE
Drawing direct parallels to several critical issues – including the COVID-19 pandemic – the Long Island Power Authority is pushing hard to push the Island’s steam-driven power plants into retirement.
Labour, environment, and community organizations from Long Island, New York, have formed an offshore wind coalition called Wind Works Long Island.
The coalition’s mission is to focus on educating Long Islanders about the wide-ranging benefits of offshore wind energy, Wind Works Long Island says in a press release.
For environmentalists, Earth Day is an annual high point, an opportunity to expand the environmental coalition by reaching out beyond those active in the task of protecting the planet.
But in the year of the coronavirus, with social distancing and sheltering in place, the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of Earth Day is a more “somber” occasion, as several local environmentalists put it.
During a walk around his block in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mark Benfield was struck by how many discarded gloves and masks he saw on his short route.
The Louisiana State University professor, who focuses on microplastic pollution, decided to track the waste he saw with pictures geotagged to the location where he spotted it.
