Support New York’s First Offshore Wind Farm

Tell the NY Public Service Commission to Approve the Cable Connection from the South Fork Wind Farm to the Town of East Hampton

New York is poised to be a global leader in the fight against climate change, but we cannot get there without embracing offshore wind. On the South Fork of Long Island, a projected increase in energy demand necessitates either an offshore wind farm or new fossil fuel power plant. LIPA’s approval of the South Fork Wind Farm allows for the increased energy demand to be achieved with renewable energy and not with a new fossil fuel power station. This project will bring 130MW of renewable energy to Long Island.

However, the fight isn’t over. We need New York to approve a cable connection carrying energy from the offshore turbines to an electrical substation in Town of East Hampton. Dozens of studies are already completed to ensure the project is responsibly developed, mitigates potential impacts on wildlife, and protects the coastline. Now it’s time to act.

Submit public comment to the Public Service Commission today. Urge NY to ensure the South Fork Wind Farm cable connection moves forward quickly so it can provide reliable, clean power to Long Island.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Say “NO” to Killingly

Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay

Tell Governor Lamont: No More Dirty Fossil Fuel Plants in Connecticut!

In order to create jobs, protect public health, and fight climate change, Connecticut has set a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Despite this important goal, CT is poised to approve permits for a new 650 megawatt fracked-gas power plant in Killingly, CT, which would shackle our state to dirty fossil fuels for decades to come. 

The Killingly fracked-gas plant would increase harmful air emissions and water pollution in Connecticut, which already suffers from some of the worst air quality in New England. Additionally, the plant would require 2.4 miles of new gas pipeline, which would be constructed through critical wildlife habitat and open space.

Energy economists agree that new fossil fuel power plants and pipelines are not needed to meet our future energy needs. We need Connecticut to honor its commitments to clean energy and say NO to dirty, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure.

 A new fossil fuel burning power plant in Connecticut would delay progress on meeting our renewable energy goals and increase greenhouse gas emissions, which impacts public health and contributes to climate change. It’s time to tell Governor Lamont to say NO to Killingly and say YES to clean, renewable energy!

Contact Governor Lamont today and urge him to say “NO” to Killingly gas plant!

• Click the link to access the online form to e-mail Governor Lamont

• Copy & paste (or personalize) the message below into the “comment” field

• Fill out your contact information in the required fields

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(Begin sample email message)

Dear Governor Lamont:

I am writing today to voice my strong opposition to the proposed Killingly gas plant being considered by your administration.

Killingly Energy Center would further delay Connecticut’s progress on meeting our clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Additionally, it would lead to a measurable increase in harmful air emissions and water pollution in Connecticut, which already suffers from some of the worst air quality in New England.

Finally, the 2.4 miles of new gas pipeline needed to operate the plant would be constructed through critical wildlife habitat and open space. This area supports a variety of threatened and endangered species, including the endangered northern long-eared owl, the endangered wood turtle, and the eastern box turtle. Killingly Energy Center would not only prolong our state’s dependence on dirty fossil fuel infrastructure, it could also have lasting impacts on endangered wildlife and open space in our state.

(End sample email message)

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Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Concerned About Climate Change?

Join us on October 13th at 7pm for a Virtual Climate Change Discussion with Candidates for NY Congressional Districts 1 & 2 

This is the only environmental forum in these districts! 

Long Island is on the frontlines of climate change. Our next Congressional representatives from NY-01 and NY-02 will have a crucial role to play in ensuring protections for our coastal communities, local economy, and our environment.

Join Citizens Campaign for the Environment, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, and Students for Climate Action for a free virtual Town Hall on Climate Change for NY Congressional Districts 1 & 2. 

The forum will feature 1st Congressional District candidates Congressman Lee Zeldin and Dr. Nancy Goroff, and 2nd Congressional District candidates Jackie Gordon and Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino. Following interviews with the candidates, we will be hosting a panel discussion with environmental experts to address climate change impacts on Long Island.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, October 13th from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Please register today to receive the Zoom link to view the event. The link will be sent via email prior to the event.

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
Your Friends at CCE

Protect New York’s Drinking Water and Public Health

SOURCE: NTP

Ban the Toxic Chemical TCE in Manufacturing!

Legislation to ban TCE in New York State has been passed by the NYS legislature.  To protect our drinking water and public health from this harmful chemical, Governor Cuomo must sign this important bill into law when it is delivered to his desk!  Email Governor Cuomo today.

Background

TCE (trichloroethylene) is an industrial cleaning and degreasing agent used in manufacturing. This chemical is slow to degrade, making it a persistent contaminant in our groundwater. The EPA lists TCE as one of the most widespread groundwater contaminants in our nation and it is an existing and ongoing threat to New York’s water quality and public health. Across New York, communities are suffering the consequences of TCE contamination from industrial use. Groundwater, drinking water wells, and soil have all been contaminated. New York needs to ban this toxic contaminant in manufacturing.

TCE Exposure 

Exposure to TCE occurs through air, water, food, and soil. Long-term exposure is strongly linked to various types of cancer, including kidney, liver, lymphoma, testicular, and leukemia. The U.S.  Department of Human Health Services classifies TCE as "known to be a human carcinogen" and the EPA characterizes it as "carcinogenic in humans by all routes of exposure." Across New York, industrial use of TCE is putting the public and the environment at risk. 

TCE contamination in our groundwater and soil requires extensive remediation, some of which will take decades to complete. Areas with significant TCE contamination in New York include:

• Navy Grumman Plume in Bethpage, NY

• IBM Facility in Endicott, NY 

• Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY (Superfund site)

• Little Valley, NY (Superfund Site)

• The Hopewell Precision Area Contamination Site in Dutchess County, NY (Superfund site)

• Fulton Ave, Garden City Park (Superfund site)

• New Cassel Industrial Area (Superfund site)

• Old Bethpage Industrial Area (Superfund site)

• Smithtown Groundwater Contamination (Superfund site)

The remediation of these sites has been ongoing for as long as 40 years. As we continue to work towards remediation of TCE contamination across New York, we cannot allow industry to continue to use this carcinogenic chemical in their manufacturing processes. Safer alternatives to TCE already exist and are being used by manufacturers across the county. An EPA study found that many manufacturers have successfully reduced the amount of TCE they use or eliminated its use entirely, all while saving money on energy, materials, and hazardous waste disposal services.

Almost a decade ago, the EPA proposed to ban TCE for several industrial uses, but the federal ban has not moved forward. Earlier this year, Minnesota became the first state to prohibit the use of TCE.  Now, New York must take action to protect public health and the environment from this carcinogen. 

Governor Cuomo Must Sign the Bill Banning Uses of TCE

The New York Senate and Assembly passed legislation (A.8829A/S.6829B) to ban most industrial uses of TCE. The bill would go into effect in December of 2021. It will prohibit the use of TCE as a vapor degreaser, refrigerant, extraction solvent, intermediate chemical, or a cleaning product for manufacturing or industrial cleaning process. Now we need Governor Cuomo to sign the bill into law. Please email Governor Cuomo and urge him to protect our drinking water and public health by signing the ban on TCE into law!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Watch a FREE Screening of Dark Waters

Join us on September 29 for a virtual discussion with Rob Bilott, the man who inspired the film

We are working with our partners to host a free viewing of the movie Dark Waters— the true story of Attorney Rob Bilott (played by Mark Ruffalo) taking a stand against Dupont to protect public health and expose the damage toxic PFAS chemicals can inflict on our communities.

Register TODAY to receive a link that will allow you to view the movie from the comfort of your own home anytime from September 25th to September 29th. Act soon because spots are limited!

Attend the Virtual Q&A with Rob Bilott

Registering also gets you access to an exclusive virtual town hall on Tuesday, September 29, from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The discussion will feature special guests Rob Bilott, YALE researcher Vasilis Vasiliou, Ph.D., and officials from the CT Dept. of Public Health and Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection.   

We hope you’ll join us to learn about the health and environmental impacts of PFAS chemicals nationwide, and to find out what’s being done to address the problem in Connecticut.  

When:  Film Screening: September 25 – September 29 (anytime that works for you!)

             Virtual Town Hall Discussion: September 29, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

RSVP for this unique opportunity to view Dark Waters from your home for free and then participate in a virtual event. Don’t delay, RSVP today!

Thank you for joining us. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Highlights and Happenings: August 2020

Image by jotoya from Pixabay

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

New York Plastic Bag Ban Upheld by State Supreme Court!

After over a decade of fighting to prevent plastic pollution throughout New York, we successfully worked to pass a statewide ban on plastic bags in 2019. The ban was due to go into effect in March of 2020, but an unfortunate lawsuit by plastic bag manufacturers and bodega owners delayed the implementation. Now, we are closer than ever to finally be plastic bag-free. NY won the court challenge in August, and the state is expected to announce the new implementation date soon. We can’t wait to celebrate once the date is announced, but don’t wait until then to act—start (or continue!) using your reusable bags when you shop!

Tackling Climate Change, COVID, and our Economic Crisis in Connecticut

We’re thrilled to be working with RENEW CT, a large coalition of non-profits, businesses and labor groups aiming to a progressive policy framework for CT. The goal is to simultaneously achieve progress on the three major challenges of our time: climate change, COVID-19 and the economic crisis. We’re fighting to craft and implement policies that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while investing in environmental justice communities and creating jobs in our state. This is a big challenge, and we will need to implement policies on clean energy, transportation, clean air and water, food security, healthcare and affordable housing in order to protect our CT communities. Make sure to stay tuned for information on RENEW CT as developments occur.

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Happenings

Getting Clean Energy Back on Track

While New York is pushing forward with three offshore wind projects and a new solicitation for up to 2,500 MW of additional offshore wind power, the federal government has stalled. We need the U.S. Department of Interior to designate additional “Wind Energy Areas” (areas appropriate for offshore wind farm siting) off the coast of New York. These areas should have been designated in 2019, and we cannot afford further delays as we push to meet our state mandate of 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035. In July, we joined Congresswoman Rice, NYS Senator Kaminsky, environmental organizations, and labor groups in Long Beach to call on our federal government to stop delaying and announce new “Wind Energy Areas” in 2020.

Exploring the Potential for Offshore Wind in the Great Lakes

NY’s nation-leading climate law mandates 70% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon-free electricity by 2040. Offshore wind power in the Atlantic, and potentially in the Great Lakes, will play a critical role in meeting these important and ambitious clean energy mandates. Therefore, the state recently proposed to study the feasibility of offshore wind in the Great Lakes (there are currently no wind farms in the Great Lakes). As New York considers the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes, it is essential that the public has access to fact-based information about offshore wind and its potential benefits and impacts on the lakes. Therefore, we have put together an educational page on our website with a series of fact sheets on Great Lakes offshore wind—we invite you to take a look and learn more!

Protecting Connecticut’s Water Resources

Last year, Connecticut approved the State Water Plan (SWP), which will ensure that water is a public trust and that CT’s current and future water supply needs are met equitably for years to come. We are now working to see this landmark water protection plan implemented and engage the public in the process. In July, CCE’s Lou Rosado Burch became chair of the newly-formed Outreach & Education subcommittee of the SWP Implementation Working Group. This new subcommittee will develop a public outreach strategy for individuals, community groups and businesses about the SWP and what it means for CT communities and regulated industries. We’ll be working with our subcommittee partners to do outreach on public water use, water conservation, drinking water quality, and more.

Image from DEC https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/77118.html

Harmful Algal Blooms are Still a Threat Across New York!

It’s late in the summer, but harmful algal blooms (HABs) are STILL posing an immense threat to our communities’ drinking water, public health, outdoor recreation and wildlife! HABs are erupting across NY more frequently and more aggressively—in 2019, over 1,000 HABs were present in NY waterbodies. If you see a HAB in a lake or waterbody (looks like spilled green paint or pea soup), be sure to avoid it and report it using the DEC Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form!

Support New York’s Plan to Fight Climate Change

Image by doskey12 from Pixabay

We Must Consider the Potential for Offshore Wind in the Great Lakes

New York State has proposed a plan to implement its nation-leading climate law

In 2019, New York State passed historic legislation to fight climate change—the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires NYS to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The goals set forth in the CLCPA are ambitious and absolutely necessary if we are going to step up our fight against climate change.  While setting strong goals is important, goals do not have value if they are not met.  Fortunately, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently released a White Paper that provides a roadmap for the state to implement and achieve the goals set forth in the CLCPA. 

Exploring the potential for Great Lakes offshore wind power

The strong winds on the Great Lakes contain over 20% of the nation’s offshore wind potential, yet they are completely untapped. While multiple offshore wind projects are under development off New York’s Atlantic coast, there are currently no projects being considered in New York’s Great Lakes waters. As part of the White Paper, NYSERDA proposes to conduct a feasibility study to explore the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes (if the state study determines it is feasible, specific projects proposed in the future would need to undergo site-specific environmental review before moving forward). Offshore wind in the Great Lakes, which is responsibly-sited and respects the Great Lakes ecosystem, must be considered in order to fight climate change and meet state renewable energy goals. 

We need your help! Submit a comment on the White Paper today!

The Public Service Commission is accepting public comments through its online form (comment period closes August 31). Click here to take action and submit a comment to the PSC!

Express your support for a feasibility study to explore the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes, and please feel free use the following talking points in your comment:

• The feasibility of responsibly-sited offshore wind, which undergoes rigorous, site-specific review before construction and respects the fragile Great Lakes ecosystem, should be explored to help meet NY’s ambitious renewable energy mandate of 70% renewable energy by 2030.

• The Great Lakes contain over 20% of the nation’s offshore wind potential, yet this source of clean, renewable energy is completely untapped.

• Offshore wind in the Great Lakes can help to fight climate change.  Climate change, fueled by our dependence on fossil fuels, has detrimental impacts to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, including flooding in coastal communities, extreme rain events that cause dangerous sewage overflows, increased runoff that cause harmful algal blooms and a dead zone in Lake Erie, the proliferation of invasive species and adverse impacts on native fish species, and more.

• Increasing the use of offshore wind energy improves public health by reducing harmful air pollutants that contribute to heart and lung disease. Air pollution reductions from the first 2,400 MW of offshore wind in New York would be valued at roughly $1 billion and would avoid close to 100 premature deaths each year. 

• New York can lead the way on Great Lakes offshore wind, spurring much-needed job creation and economic development in Upstate New York.  An offshore wind project supports 74 different occupations, including electricians, welders, ironworkers, millwrights, carpenters, engineers, concrete finishers, scientists, and vessel operators. 

• Over 500 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. make products for the wind industry, 12 of which are in New York. With Western New York’s strong manufacturing base and history, there is potential for the manufacturing of turbine parts such as blades, towers, or the raw materials, such as steel and fiberglass, to be supplied locally.

• Compared to rural land-based wind farms, the interconnection distance from offshore wind farms to urban electricity grids is relatively short. By taking advantage of the short distance, offshore wind can lower transmission congestion and losses in Western New York and the Great Lakes region.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,

Your friends at CCE