A total of $7 million in federal funding is set to go toward laying down new water pipes to Manorville and Calverton.
At long last there is hope for some Long Island residents who have been begging for clean drinking water
$7M from federal omnibus bill to fund hookups to public water supply to 124 homes
Federal representatives secure $3.5 million for Riverhead’s Manorville water extension
Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling in New York
Hold manufacturers—not taxpayers—responsible for their waste!
New York State is suffering from a solid waste and recycling crisis—recycling costs for municipalities and taxpayers have skyrocketed, recycling rates have declined, and our environment and health are suffering from pollution caused by excessive plastic packaging. Currently, corporate brand owners bear no responsibility in managing the product packaging waste they have created.
A proposed policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) would require product manufacturers—not taxpayers—to be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling the packaging and printed paper they create. A strong EPR policy will help:
Reduce waste: EPR incentivizes producers to produce less packaging in the first place!
Increase recycling: New York’s recycling rate is approximately 18%, while countries that have adopted an EPR policy have rates over 70%.
Eliminate toxic chemicals: Prohibit the harmful “forever chemical” PFAS and other toxic chemicals often used in packaging.
Reduce plastic pollution in our waterways: Lake Erie is polluted with 381 metric tons of plastic while Long Island Sound has an estimated 165 million plastic particles floating in the water at any given time.
Save taxpayers money: Local governments (outside of NYC) pay $80 million annually to keep recycling programs going.
Fight climate change: EPR can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 2.3 million metric tons — the equivalent of taking half a million cars off the road or reducing the state’s GHG emissions from waste by 18%
Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Suffolk announces $1 million for coastal resiliency projects
Suffolk County officials on Wednesday announced they will spend $1 million to plan coastal resiliency projects to counter the impact of increasing storms and flooding resulting from climate change.
A task force of environmentalists, county officials and others will identify expected effects of climate change in Suffolk and propose ways to mitigate damage and protect communities, officials said.
Highlights and Happenings: February 2022
Image by Free-Photos 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.
Highlights
VICTORY! Celebrating $1 Billion for Great Lakes Clean Up
Our Associate Executive Director, Brian Smith, joined with Rep. Brian Higgins, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, & the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last month to celebrate a $1 billion investment from the bipartisan infrastructure bill in Great Lakes restoration. This funding will help clean up four toxic hot spots in NY’s Great Lakes waters (Buffalo River, Niagara River, Eighteen Mile Creek, Rochester Embayment) over the next several years! These toxic hot spots have polluted sources of drinking water and threatened public health for decades. This is a huge step forward!
VICTORY! New York’s First Offshore Wind Farm Breaks Ground
Last month, we celebrated the groundbreaking of NY’s first offshore wind farm – South Fork Wind. After 10 years of work with environmental organizations, labor partners, and the public, we were very excited that NY’s offshore wind future is finally becoming a reality. South Fork Wind will bring renewable energy to 70,000 homes and accelerate our just transition to green energy. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, the Director of BOEM, Amanda Lefton, and NYSERDA for working so hard to make offshore wind a reality for NY.
Happenings
Protecting Our Pollinators
We joined with advocates from across the state representing public health, farming and environmental groups for a virtual lobby day in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act. We highlighted the critical need to limit unnecessary uses of toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (A.K.A neonics), which have decimated bee populations, polluted drinking water, and have been linked to adverse human health impacts. This coalition has been working to pass state legislation to ban the sale of neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds; and ornamental uses on lawns, gardens, and golf courses. By banning just these few uses, we could eliminate 85-90% of all neonics used in New York and protect our pollinators, water quality, and human health. Help us by emailing your elected representatives today and urge them to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act!
Pushing for Electric Vehicles
In February, we joined Congressman Tom Suozzi as he announced $26 million in federal funds to help New York build a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. New York has a goal of 1 million EVs by 2035, which means we need charging stations installed throughout the state quickly and broadly. In addition to these federal funds, we are also working to pass state legislation allowing for uncapped direct sales of EVs in NY (there are currently only 5 EV direct sale locations permitted in downstate NY). Florida, which currently allows for the uncapped direct sales of EVs, had 60% higher sales of EVs than NY in 2020, and nearly twice as many EVs on the road. We need to catch up if we are going to meet our important climate change goals!
Calling for Federal Investments in Climate and Environmental Solutions
We joined state elected leaders and advocates for virtual events in both Western and Central New York calling on Senator Schumer to continue to his leadership and push for the U.S. Senate to make significant climate investments. These press conferences highlighted the impacts of climate change that are being felt in the upstate NY. Sewage overflows, increased flooding, lead drinking water pipes and harmful algal blooms are all threats that could be addressed with the $550 billion investment the House has already approved. Now we need Senator Schumer to continue to fight for New Yorkers and combat climate change by getting the $550 billion climate and environmental solutions investment to the Senate floor for a vote. Thank you NYS Senators Ryan, May and Mannion, Assemblyman Conrad, and our colleagues at the NY League of Conservation Voters and Mothers Out Front, for joining us in bringing attention to these federal investments that New York and the nation desperately need.
Environmental advocates push passage of $550 billion in federal climate funds
Four WNY sites are named as part of a billion dollar investment to clean up Great Lakes waterways
More federal money is heading toward the cleanup of four Western New York waterways, Congressman Brian Higgins and representatives of government and public environmentalist entities announced Friday.
The federal government is announcing $1 billion from the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Law will be spent to clean and delist 22 designated “Areas of Concern” throughout the Great Lakes. Included on the list are the Buffalo River, Niagara River, 18 Mile Creek and Rochester Embayment.
Great Lakes to get more than $3 billion
New York will get $26 million for electric vehicle charging stations
Officials hail start of offshore wind energy work in East Hampton
Crews began preliminary work on the roads of Wainscott Friday as a contingent of political and business leaders championed the start of construction of the state’s first offshore wind farm.
"Long Island, you are the first, it’s always great to be first, congratulations," said Gov. Kathy Hochul to kick off a groundbreaking ceremony in East Hampton Friday morning, saying the work was "just the beginning."
Officials breaks ground on state’s first offshore wind farm off East End
Crews Break Ground On Major Offshore Wind Project In East Hampton
New York's move toward clean energy hit a milestone Friday with a groundbreaking in East Hampton for a major offshore wind project. It will be only the second in the nation; CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reports.
Highlights and Happenings: January 2022
Image by planet_fox from Pixabay
Help CCE build on our success by supporting our campaigns to protect public health and our environment in NY and CT.
Make a contribution today.
Highlights
CCE Priorities in the NYS Executive Budget
We are thrilled Governor Hochul’s 2022-2023 budget proposal includes many of our top environmental priorities. The final state budget is due by April 1, and we are working to ensure that these proposals (and more) make it into the final New York State budget. The proposed budget includes:
• $4 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act: This historic bond act will go before the voters on the November ballot, and if approved, will support clean water, protect communities from climate change, and support over 65,000 jobs.
• An all-time high of $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): Allows communities to protect clean water, conserve open space, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, build community parks, support zoos, and more.
• $500 million to grow the offshore wind supply chain: Creates jobs and helps to ensure NY meets its ambitious 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035 target.
• $500 million for clean water infrastructure: Supports clean drinking water, upgrades to sewer systems, and more. We are working to increase funding for this important program in the final budget.
• Holds manufacturers, not taxpayers, accountable for recycling their packaging waste: This policy would reduce packaging waste, improve recycling, prevent plastic pollution, and save local governments millions of dollars. A complimentary policy would ban toxic chemicals, like PFAS, in product packaging.
• Strengthening protections for our critical wetlands: The program will support the protection of more than a million additional acres of wetlands throughout the state.
• $200 million for state parks: Enhances and improves our state parks that provide amazing recreational opportunities and support tourism.
VICTORY: Killingly Gas Plant in Connecticut Cancelled!
Federal regulators have delivered a final death blow to the proposed 650 MW gas-fired power plant, which would have significantly delayed Connecticut's progress on transitioning off dirty fossil fuels and combatting climate change. This decision clears the way for clean renewable energy and energy efficiency in our communities. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who weighed in on this important issue!
Happenings
New Wastewater Infrastructure on Long Island! Clean Water Project Breaks Ground
In January we celebrated breaking ground for the Forge River sewer project. This project will finally provide residents of Mastic-Shirley with sewers that will replace their septics and cesspools with modern sewage treatment technology. After so many years of work, we were proud to join Suffolk County Executive Bellone, NYS DEC Commissioner Seggos, Congressman Zeldin, many state and local representatives, labor leaders, environmental partners, community stakeholders, and more for this historic event. This sewer project will reduce nitrogen loading in the Forge River by 70%. We look forward to a cleaner, healthier river!
Protecting Plum Island
We have fought for years to preserve Plum Island, an 840 acre, largely undeveloped island in Long Island Sound that serves as a critical habitat for birds and has tremendous ecological value. In January, the Preserve Plum Island Coalition stood together to urge NY Governor Hochul to support the coalition’s fight to preserve Plum Island and protect this irreplaceable natural resource.
Urging our NY Legislators to Invest in Clean Water
We joined our New York Clean Water coalition partners to host the 4th Annual Clean Water Legislative Briefing. The virtual event was attended by over 95 elected officials, staff, and clean water stakeholders to hear from experts on New York’s water quality needs and the coalition’s priorities. Last year, the coalition worked collaboratively to develop a shared 2022 agenda for clean water in New York. Priorities included, but were not limited to, increasing investments in clean water infrastructure, a $4 billion Environmental Bond Act, $400 million Environmental Protection Fund, protecting freshwater wetlands, replacing lead service lines, and more. We are pushing to ensure these important clean water programs and increased funding make it into the final budget.
Learning More about the Sunrise and South Fork Wind Farms
In January, we co-hosted a virtual forum with the New York League of Conservation Voters to hear from representatives from Orsted and Eversource on their South Fork and Sunrise Wind Farms. Thanks to all who joined us to find out more about these two projects off the coast of Montauk, which together will power hundreds of thousands of Long Island homes. If you missed it, you can watch the recording here.
What’s in Governor Hochul’s Proposed 2022 Budget for Long Island’s Environment? Join Us and Find Out!
Join us for a virtual presentation featuring NYS Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid to learn more about funding for water quality, parks, offshore wind energy, and more!
Register for the Virtual Event Here
Governor Hochul’s proposed 2022-2023 budget supports critical environmental programs:
A $4 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act
All-time-high Environmental Protection Fund at $400 million
Significant investments in offshore wind
Funding for clean water infrastructure
Increased funding for state parks
Policy to reduce paper and plastic packaging waste, and to improve recycling
Enhanced protections for wetlands
CCE is hosting a virtual presentation with Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to discuss how these important budget proposals will affect Long Island communities, waterways, parks, and natural resources.
The presentation is open to the public, free to join, and there will be an opportunity for questions and answers from the audience.
Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022
Time: 11:00am
Where: Via Zoom—Register Here
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE
With more Long Island waters up for grabs, New York selects second offshore wind farm
Study: Diesel emissions will kill more than 100 on Long Island in 2023
The oversight of the Surface Transportation Board
Last year, Winters Bros. closed on over 200 acres of land neighboring the current Brookhaven Town landfill in Yaphank just south of Horseblock Road. The purchase of the property, according to Will Flower, senior vice president, will allow Brookhaven Rail, which will eventually operate under Shamrock Rail, to create a rail terminal facility to haul out the area’s garbage.
Big Gains for Environmental Programs in Proposed NY Budget
We were thrilled when Governor Hochul recently released her 2022-2023 executive budget proposal and it included many of CCE’s top priorities for this year. 2022 is shaping up to be a great year for New York’s environment with historic funding proposed for environmental and public health protections. This is major progress, and we could not have done it without your support!
The final state budget is due by April 1st, and we are working to ensure that Governor Hochul’s proposals (and more) make it into the final New York State Budget. The proposed budget includes:
Historic $4 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act: The bond act, which would go before the voters on the November ballot, will protect clean water, protect communities from climate change, and create thousands of good jobs.
An all-time high of $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund: Allows communities to protect clean water, conserve open space, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, build community parks, support zoos, and more.
$500 million to grow the offshore wind supply chain: Creates jobs and helps to ensure NY meets its ambitious 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035 target.
$500 million for clean water infrastructure: Helps communities treat drinking water for dangerous contaminants, upgrades outdated sewage and septic systems, replaces lead drinking water pipes, and more.
Holds manufacturers, not taxpayers, accountable for recycling their packaging waste: This policy would reduce packaging waste, improve recycling, prevent plastic pollution, and save local governments millions of dollars. A complimentary policy would ban toxic chemicals, like PFAS, in product packaging.
Strengthens protections for our critical wetlands: Wetlands help protect drinking water, reduce flooding, and are home to numerous threatened and endangered species.
$200 million for state parks: Enhances and improves our state parks that provide amazing recreational opportunities and support tourism.
Stay tuned for opportunities to weigh in on the budget process and maximize critical environmental funding!
Thank you,
Your friends at CCE
