Nearly 70% of dishwashing soap tested by a state-funded pollution prevention group had detections of 1,4-dioxane at levels higher than soon-to-be implemented state standards.
Sunrise Wind Advancing Operations and Maintenance Hub in Suffolk County
Sunrise Wind, an offshore wind joint venture between Ørsted and Eversource, has announced a purchase in Brookhaven Town – 22 Research Way, in East Setauket – a new facility that will serve as the regional Operations and Maintenance (O&M) hub for Sunrise Wind and will help support the joint venture’s portfolio of Northeast wind farms.
Winters Bros. wants to move waste by rail - Environmental group presents concerns
Advocates: Contamination may have spread in Calverton
Data released by the U.S. Navy indicates that contamination from the former Grumman property in Calverton could be migrating farther off site and into private drinking wells, residents and elected officials said.
Advocates have for years urged the Navy to expand testing at the former Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant — which was owned by the federal government and operated by Northrop Grumman Corp. until 1996 — larger than a one-mile radius.
Newly released data disclose Navy knew of toxic PFAS chemicals in groundwater at Grumman ‘fence line’ in 2016
Environmentalists Push Navy To Recognize New Clean Water Standards In N.Y.
Reduce Climate Change Emissions from the Transportation Sector
Urge Governor Cuomo to Commit New York to the TCI Program
New York must take action to address climate pollution from the transportation sector, which accounts for more than one-third of greenhouse gas emissions (our largest source of carbon emissions). The Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) is a regional program—along with 11 neighboring states and the District of Columbia—which seeks to improve transportation, create green jobs, invest in disadvantaged communities, and reduce carbon emissions from the transportation sector.
Our outdated networks of roads, bridges, sidewalks, transit systems, and other modes of travel are plagued by problems decades in the making. These problems include congestion, delays, underfunding, inaccessibility, high costs, and pollution. This makes our day-to-day lives difficult, makes air unsafe to breathe, and contributes to the climate crisis.
TCI is an opportunity for New York to bolster the clean transportation economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in a meaningful way. The TCI program will advance investment in clean vehicles and fuels, safe and affordable public transportation, equitable transportation options for disadvantaged communities, complete streets that are safe for walking and biking, and more!
New York can be a leader of the TCI program and improve the state’s transportation while helping achieve a strong and cohesive regional response to climate change. We need Governor Cuomo to commit to this important regional initiative!
Thank you for taking action!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
The Future is Blowing in the Wind
Join us for the first of 3 educational forums on offshore wind:
“New York Leads on Climate Change”
New York is a leader in addressing climate change. In 2019, NY passed the nation’s most aggressive climate bill, which mandates 70% renewable energy by 2030. From Montauk to Niagara Falls, NY has already begun to transition to a renewable energy economy.
In the first of three virtual forums (via zoom), Senator Todd Kaminsky, Assemblyman Steve Englebright, and a representative from NYSERDA will discuss this groundbreaking legislation, the work that has been initiated to meet these critical and ambitious climate goals, and the important role that offshore wind will play.
After each presenter, there will be a question and answer session with our speakers and expert panel members, including Julie Tighe from the New York League of Conservation Voters and Joe Martens from the NY Offshore Wind Alliance.
Topic: New York Leads on Climate Change
Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Time: 12:00pm -1:00pm
Register: https://forms.gle/37soQBZ5VUNULSon7 (after registering, you will receive a zoom link to participate)
This is the first of three offshore wind forums. See below for additional upcoming forum topics.
January
Date: TBA
Topic: Long Island Offshore Wind Projects
February
Date: TBA
Topic: Offshore Wind and Community Benefits
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Support Offshore Wind in New York
Join us for a public meeting to learn more about the Sunrise Wind Farm off of the South Shore of Long Island
Last year, Governor Cuomo signed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act into law, requiring 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035. The state also approved two huge offshore wind projects, Sunrise Wind and Empire Wind, which will generate a combined 1,700MW of clean, renewable energy in NYC and Long Island. Sunrise Wind will be located at least 30 miles off the coast of Montauk and will power over half a million homes while providing green jobs for New Yorkers. Orsted and Eversource, the companies developing the Sunrise Wind Farm, are hosting a free virtual open house meeting on the project on November 16. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments, so join us and speak up in favor of offshore wind.
Join us for the Orsted/Eversource virtual meeting on the Sunrise Wind Farm to learn more about this important project. Speak up in favor of transitioning from fossil fuels to offshore wind !
When: Monday, November 16, at 6:30pm
Pre-Register for the event here.
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE
Highlights and Happenings: October 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.
Highlights
Victory! Reducing Nitrogen Pollution to the Western Bays
For decades, nitrogen pollution from sewage has caused harmful algal blooms, depleted oxygen, killed fisheries, and threatened tidal marshes in the Western Bays on Long Island. Last month, we joined U.S. Chuck Senator Schumer, NY Senator Todd Kaminsky, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, SUEZ, and our partners in the fight to restore the Western Bays to celebrate. Major infrastructure upgrades have been made at the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant that will drastically reduce nitrogen pollution entering the local bays and help restore water quality in these treasured waters!
Implementing New York’s Plastic Bag Ban!
While New York’s ban on carryout plastic bags was scheduled to go into effect on March 1, an industry lawsuit, coupled with the pandemic, caused the implementation date to be set back. After defeating the industry challenge in court, New York State officially began to enforce the ban on plastic bags on October 19! Make sure to always bring your own bag to the store and keep an eye out to make sure stores are not distributing single-use plastic bags. You can report non-compliance through an online form or by calling DEC at 518-402-8706.
Happenings
Fighting for NY’s First Offshore Wind Farm
NY has committed to 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035 and our first offshore wind project will be the South Fork Wind Farm off Montauk on Long Island. October brought another big milestone for the project, as Governor Cuomo signed a joint proposal to move the project forward with state agencies. But 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. Tell the NYS Public Service Commission to approve the South Fork Wind Farm cable connection.
Another Summer of Discontent for Long Island’s Waters
Last month, we joined Dr. Chris Gobler of Stony Brook University and our Long Island clean water partners to release an annual water quality map that includes harmful algal blooms, hypoxia, and fish kills. Unfortunately, the news was not good. Once again, nitrogen pollution has caused water quality impairments in nearly every major bay and estuary across the island. You can check out the map of water quality impairments and a video of the press conference for more info.
Fighting for the Great Lakes “in Washington”
While we usually lead a group of advocates down to Washington D.C. every fall to meet with Congressional offices, this year we instead held a virtual Great Lakes day via zoom with D.C. offices. We recruited strong partners to join our virtual meetings—fishing groups, wastewater treatment operators, water suppliers, and environmental justice advocates—to speak in one voice on all the issues that must be addressed to protect our lakes. Funding the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, fixing our aging sewer systems, ensuring affordable drinking water, and fighting invasive species were all identified as Great Lakes priorities for the year ahead.
Stop Sucking and Start Sipping!
Take the pledge to reduce the amount of plastic you use when getting take-out from restaurants. Throughout the pandemic we’ve seen a surge in the use of disposable plastics. In the U.S. we use millions of plastic straws and utensils every day, many of which ending up in our rivers, lakes, and oceans. It’s time to get back on track and reduce the amount of disposable plastics we get when ordering takeout from restaurants. Break the throw-away plastic habit and sign the pledge to reduce plastics by choosing reusable straws, utensils and bags when getting takeout at restaurants! Take the pledge TODAY!
Improving Recycling in Connecticut
We’re happy to announce that CCE’s Lou Rosado Burch was re-elected to the CT Recyclers Coalition (CRC) board of directors at their annual meeting in October. The CRC's membership includes municipal recycling authorities, non-profit organizations and private businesses working to advance Connecticut's recycling and materials management programs at both the local and state levels. We are looking forward to working with our partners at the CRC to educate the public on important recycling issues including municipal solid waste reduction, modernizing Connecticut’s bottle bill, and increasing recycling education for CT residents and businesses.
Investigating Incinerator Ash
Our Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito, is an official member of the Ad hoc Committee on the Ash Fill formed by Brookhaven Town (NY). The committee is evaluating a proposal to locate a regional ash monofil at the current Brookhaven landfill. As part of their due diligence, we joined our fellow committee members for a visit to Covanta’s advanced metal recycling facility in Pennsylvania. The facility is able to extract gold, silver, aluminum, copper, iron and even coins and jewelry from incinerator ash. The facility is piloting options to re-use ash in roads and construction projects. The Committee also went to visit the Babylon Ash Monofill. This ashfill is located in an industrial area, bordered by cemeteries and accepts incinerator ash from the Babylon Covanta facility. The committee is tasked to provide a report on the ash fill proposal to Brookhaven Town by the end of January.
Discussing Climate Change in NY Congressional Districts 1 & 2
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 environment. In October, we joined the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund and Students for Climate Action to host a free virtual Town Hall on Climate Change for NY Congressional Districts 1 & 2. We had a great turnout and a lively panel discussion with climate experts on the issues facing Long Island. You can check out the entire event here.
CT Residents: Concerned About PFAS Chemicals?
Attend a virtual forum on November 9th
to learn more
You are invited to attend a 1-hour virtual forum about how toxic PFAS chemicals affect our health and water, and to learn what can be done to protect your family from exposure to these toxic chemicals.
PFAS (sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in soil and water) can be found in a variety of non-stick and water-resistant products including textiles, some food packaging, and even certain firefighting foams. PFAS chemicals build up in the body and contribute to a range of health impacts.
Attend our virtual event on Monday, November 9, from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The discussion will be led by CCE and feature officials from the CT Department of Public Health. Most importantly, we want to hear your questions and concerns about toxic PFAS at this interactive event!
Virtual Town Hall:
When: Monday, November 9, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Zoom Meetings https://zoom.us/j/92366018756
This event is being cosponsored by Yale University and Clean Water Action.
And don’t forget to take our public awareness survey on toxic PFAS, if you haven’t already!
Thank you for joining us. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
WE NEED 60 SECONDS OF YOUR TIME! PLEASE RESPOND TO A SHORT SURVEY ON TOXIC PFAS
Attend a virtual forum on November 9th to learn more
We are working with Yale University to build public awareness about toxic PFAS chemicals and we need to hear from YOU!
PFAS (sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in soil and water) can be found in a variety of non-stick and water-resistant products including textiles, some food packaging, and even certain firefighting foams. PFAS chemicals build up in the body and contribute to a range of health impacts.
Please take a 60-second survey! Responding to the survey is very important to us. Your answers will guide our work and help us gauge public awareness on toxic PFAS chemicals. Most of all, it helps us identify information gaps so we can better inform community members about how PFAS affects our environment and our health.
We are also hosting an educational forum on PFAS in CT drinking water sources. All respondents will receive a link inviting them to “zoom in” to this 1-hour virtual forum about how PFAS affect our health and water, and to learn what can be done to protect your family from exposure to these toxic chemicals.
Attend our virtual event on Monday, November 9, from 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The discussion will be led by CCE and feature officials from the CT Department of Public Health. Most importantly we want to hear your questions and concerns about toxic PFAS at this interactive event!
Virtual Town Hall:
When: Monday, November 9, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Zoom (you will receive a zoom link after filling out the survey)
This event is being cosponsored by Yale University and Clean Water Action.
Thank you for joining us. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Letter: Let’s look at the facts on renewable energy
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
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
(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)
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
Riverhead’s solar moratorium on hold — for now
A proposed moratorium on new commercial solar facilities was tabled by the Riverhead Town Board yesterday.
The board voted 4-0 — with Councilman Frank Beyrodt recused due to family business interests — to table the measure for a short period of time to address concerns and questions about its language.
