A possible $2 billion project to tap into New York City’s water supply to provide all of Nassau County’s drinking water would face "significant challenges" and could take up to 15 years to complete, although a scaled-down plan is "feasible," according to a new state Department of Health study obtained by Newsday.
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.
Victory! U.S. Passes Historic Climate and Energy Bill into Law
After a long campaign by CCE and partners across the nation, President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law, which undoubtedly represents the most significant action that our nation has taken to fight climate change. The investments made under this law will help the U.S. reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030, while increasing clean renewable energy, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, providing clean transportation in disadvantaged communities, supporting sustainable farming, and lowering energy costs for all Americans. Thank you to our Senate and House champions from NY and CT for fighting to pass this vital legislation.
NY Receives Crucial Funding to Plug Abandoned Oil and Gas Wells!
New York has documented more than 7,000 orphan oil and gas wells in the state—largely in WNY and the Southern Tier— although state agencies estimate there may be as many as 34,000. These wells leak methane (a powerful greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change) and toxic chemicals that pollute groundwater. As part of the initial grant program under the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, New York received $25 million last month to plug and remediate documented orphan wells in the state, while creating thousands of jobs.
Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act on November’s Ballot in NY
On November 8th, New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on Prop 1: The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act. It has been 26 years since the last environmental bond act was adopted. This year’s Bond Act will provide necessary and overdue investments to solve pressing public health and environmental problems from the Great Lakes to Long Island. If enacted, the Bond Act will allocate $4.2 billion to a variety of critical environmental programs and projects across four categories: water quality improvement and resilient infrastructure, restoration and flood risk management, open space land conservation, and climate change mitigation. Additionally, the Bond Act will provide crucial support for New York’s economy—supporting over 100,000 jobs. We are working around the state to educate the public on the benefits of this important funding and reminding everyone to flip your ballot in November and vote on Prop 1!
Checking out Canadian Hydropower
Last month, we took an educational trip with New York League of Conservation Voters to James Bay to visit Hydro-Québec’s hydropower facilities. Existing Canadian hydropower is slated to help New York reach our clean energy goals, diversify our energy sources, and reduce our reliance on dirty fossil fuels. We learned a lot and can’t wait to see hydropower replace our local fossil fuel peaker plants in downstate NY.
Tell us Your Thoughts on Offshore Wind
We are working throughout the state to educate residents, environmental stakeholders, and policymakers on offshore wind. To help guide our education campaign and help us provide feedback to key decision makers, we’re asking you to please fill out a brief survey. Let us know your thoughts on offshore wind.
Be on the Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms
Summer isn’t over quite yet, and it’s still important to be aware of dangerous harmful algal blooms (HABs) as we spend time by the water. HABs pose 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 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!
We are working throughout the state to educate residents, environmental stakeholders, and policymakers on offshore wind. New York has committed to 70% renewable energy by 2030 and offshore wind will be a key part of achieving that goal (NY has committed to a goal of 9GW of offshore wind by 2035—enough to power 6 million homes). The state’s first offshore wind farm is currently under construction and there are four more offshore wind projects moving through the permitting process. As offshore wind becomes a reality for New York, we want to hear from you!
To help guide our educational campaign and help us provide feedback to key decision makers, we’re asking you to please fill out a brief survey. Let us know your thoughts on offshore wind.
Thank you for taking action,
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
For immediate release: Monday, August 8, 2022
For more information, contact: Adrienne Esposito, CCE Executive Director, aesposito@citizenscampaign.org, 516-390-7150
Farmingdale, NY—This weekend, the U.S. Senate passed the Inflation Reduction Act, which will provide $369 billion for climate action—the largest such investment in U.S. history. In response to the Senate’s passage of the bill, Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment (CCE), released the following statement:
“We applaud the U.S. Senate for this historic step forward in our nation’s efforts to combat the climate crisis. This is undoubtedly the most significant action our nation has taken to fight climate change. The bill help the U.S. reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030, while investing in clean renewable energy, supporting environmental justice communities, creating hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, and lowering energy costs for all Americans. This is legislation that really does leave us better off tomorrow than we are today. We recognize that this long-term effort to broker a deal on the climate bill in the Senate would not have been possible without the unwavering support and leadership provided by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. New Yorkers are on the front lines for serious climate change impacts, and we want to thank Senator Schumer for being a climate change warrior! This bill leaves a legacy of positive change for our nation and the next generation. Next, we look forward to the U.S. House taking swift action to pass the bill and send it to the President for his signature.”
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New York State is launching its third offshore wind solicitation.
Gov. Kathy Hochul on Wednesday that the state seeks to procure 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable energy that would power at least 1.5 million New York homes.
Seeks to Procure at Least 2,000 Megawatts of Renewable Energy, Enough to Power 1.5 Million Homes
Implements Nation-Leading $500 Million Offshore Wind Infrastructure Investment,
New Commitments to Support U.S. Iron and Steel, Stakeholder Engagement, Jobs, and Workforce Development
Flagship Transmission Design Enhances Grid Resiliency and Promotes Regional Offshore Wind Transmission Designs
Supports the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act Goal to Develop 9,000 Megawatts of Offshore Wind by 2035
Along a stretch atop Bluff Point Road in Northport Village, three areas on the roadside now thrive with a variety of native plants and flowers.
The vegetation of shrubs and flowers includes purple coneflower and fox sedge grass and are designed to be a green solution to address water pollution, said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Farmingdale-based Citizens Campaign for the Environment. The gardens capture and filter contaminants from polluted stormwater runoff before they enter Northport Harbor and eventually Long Island Sound. Rain gardens, environmentalists say, help improve water quality and keep the harbor clean.
Image by Heiko Stein 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.
Victory! $255 Million Going to Fix Water Infrastructure
We joined Governor Kathy Hochul in July for an exciting announcement on clean water funding. New York state will be issuing $255 million in grants for clean water programs across the state, including funding for upgrading sewage treatment plants and addressing emerging contaminants, such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane, in drinking water. This also includes $20 million for Suffolk County and $2 million for Nassau County to replace antiquated septic systems. This is great news for clean water!
$2.6 Billion Coming to New York to Replace Dangerous Lead Pipes
We joined with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand in Buffalo to highlight historic funding coming to New York to replace lead drinking water pipes. The recently passed bipartisan infrastructure bill will provide $2.6 billion in federal funding to help improve water infrastructure and replace the roughly 360,000 lead service pipes across New York State. There are approximately 100 miles of lead pipes in Buffalo that provide water to 60% of the homes, and Buffalo suffers from some of the highest rates of childhood lead exposure in the nation.
Victory! Suffolk County Votes YES on Offshore Wind
Last month, the Suffolk County Legislature passed two bills that allow the Sunrise Wind cable connection infrastructure to be installed underground in county parkland and roadways—enabling the project to bring renewable energy to over half a million homes! Based on the environmental impact review, the cable infrastructure would be minimally disruptive to county parkland and roads and would not cause significant or long-term environmental or community impacts. Thank you to all who came out and testified in support of offshore wind for Suffolk. For more offshore wind updates and ways to get involved, check out Wind Works.
Fighting to Protect Long Island Sound
Each year, we head down to D.C. for our Long Island Sound Education Day with our coalition partners to talk about the issues facing the Long Island Sound, an Estuary of National Significance. We had great meetings with our U.S. Senate and House members from New York and Connecticut and all agreed investing in LI Sound is a wise investment. Cleaner waters, robust fish populations, opening shellfish beds, schools of dolphins, and the return of the Bald Eagle all demonstrate our success so far, but more needs to be done to address climate change and combat nitrogen pollution. Thanks to all our LI Sound protection partners for a very productive D.C. trip!
Fighting to Preserve 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. We are urging the Biden administration to designate Plum Island as a National Monument, ensuring that wildlife is protected, cultural and historical values are maintained, and people are able to enjoy this unique ecosystem for generations to come. If you haven’t yet, send an email to the administration in support of permanently preserving Plum Island.
EPA Must Ban Unnecessary Uses of Neonic Pesticides
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is currently reviewing the safety of several neonic pesticides and is anticipated to complete the review by late 2022. EPA won't be required to review these toxic chemicals again for another fifteen years! They must take the opportunity with this current review to ban harmful and unnecessary uses of neonic pesticides in order to protect pollinators, water quality, human health, and our environment. Email EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan today and urge him to ban unnecessary and harmful uses of neonics!
Be on the Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms
As we hit the height of summer, it is important to be aware of dangerous harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs pose 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 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!
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the availability of $255 million in state grants for critical water infrastructure projects that will protect public health and the environment through the State's Water Infrastructure Improvement, Intermunicipal Grant, and State Septic System Replacement programs. This announcement marks the latest action by Governor Hochul to upgrade New York's water and sewer systems, reduce water pollution, and safeguard vital drinking water supplies from emerging contaminants and toxic chemicals. This infusion of public funds will continue to help make water infrastructure investments more affordable for local governments and create jobs in the manufacturing, engineering, construction, plant operations, and related industry sectors. The announcement was made in Suffolk County where $20 million from the State's Septic Replacement Program will help address more than 2,000 substandard or failing septic systems and cesspools that cause significant water quality impairments.
Governor Hochul: "Today I'm announcing $255 million in clean water infrastructure. That'll go for wastewater, sewer, and drinking water improvements. And that's statewide. You're getting a lot of it. And that's in addition to over half a billion dollars that has already been received by Long Island alone, to make these investments. So municipalities can submit applications, and also here's something that's important, we have $30 million set aside to support homeowners and business owners who have to replace their septic systems. Let's get that money out. And of that money, $20 million is going directly to Suffolk County."
Ametal parts fabricator in Wyoming County, a Cheektowaga firm that makes equipment for mining and drilling, a tire chemical factory in Niagara Falls and a Batavia manufacturing plant are among the facilities in Western New York that pose the greatest potential public health risk due to the toxic pollution they spew.
While some of our priority bills fell short, there were some significant achievements to celebrate from the recently concluded New York State legislative session! The following CCE priority bills were passed by the state legislature (still need to be signed by the Governor):
Expanding Stream Protections: Protects an additional 41,000 miles of streams, which will help to protect drinking water supplies and preserve important habitat for fish.
Conserving open space: Requires the conservation of at least 30% of land in the state by 2030, helping to fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and preserve forests and farmland.
Making Polluters Pay for Drinking Water Contamination: Ensures that polluters, not taxpayers, pay for treatment of drinking water supplies when they are responsible for contaminating it.
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Carpets: Over 500 million pounds of carpets go to landfills and incinerators each year in NYS. Carpet EPR will help ensure that manufacturers—not taxpayers and local governments—take responsibility for managing their products throughout their entire life cycle. Not only will this save local governments money, but it will increase recycling of carpets, save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce toxic chemicals in our homes.
Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act: The $4.2 billion bond act will protect waterways, make our communities more resilient to climate change, and create jobs. The bond act will be considered by voters on the ballot in the upcoming November election.
Increased Wetlands Protections: The program will protect an additional million acres of freshwater wetlands, which are critical to protecting communities from flooding, filtering pollution, fighting climate change, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.
Historic Funding for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): The EPF was funded at an all-time high of $400 million and will support programs to protect the Ocean and Great Lakes, preserve valuable open space, fight climate change, increase recycling, and so much more.
Fixing our sewer and drinking water systems: The state provided $500 million to upgrade failing sewer systems and improve treatment of drinking water.
We were also disappointed that some of our priority bills did not pass, including extended producer responsibility for product packaging and paper (makes brand owners—not taxpayers—pay for recycling of product packaging) and a ban on unnecessary uses of bee-killing neonic pesticides. We are eager to get these bills passed in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.
Thank you for your support—we could not have achieved these accomplishments without you!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Throughout New York State, Connecticut, and the nation, natural grass playgrounds and athletic fields are being replaced with “artificial” or “synthetic” turf. The use of artificial turf raises significant environmental, health, and safety concerns that parents, schools, and policymakers must be made aware of. As schools continue to switch over to artificial turf, children who play on these surfaces are at increased risk of physical injury and exposure to toxic chemicals.
On Tuesday, June 28, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) are co-hosting an educational presentation to discuss the significant problems with artificial turf. Join us to hear from experts and have the opportunity to ask questions.
Speakers:
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, CCE
Dr. Sarah Evans, PhD, MPH, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy, PEER
Monica I. Mercola, Environmental Legal Fellow, PEER
Topics:
PFAS and other hazardous chemicals used in artificial turf
Water contamination
Microplastic pollution
Climate impacts
Increased sports injuries
Lack of recyclability
Increased costs to schools
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual presentation on Zoom. Register today!
This event is free and open to the public.
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Image by Ben Scherjon 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.
Critical Bills Pass in Connecticut!
As the CT legislative session came to an end in May, we were thrilled to see some of our priority bills get passed by the CGA:
Ban on the harmful pesticide chlorpyrifos on golf courses throughout CT
Set a goal of 100% zero-carbon electricity by 2040 in CT
Require manufacturers to take responsibility for proper disposal of gas cylinders (known as Extended Producer Responsibility)
Protecting Northport Harbor Water Quality with New Rain Gardens
We partnered with the Northport Yacht Club and the Village of Northport to install three rain gardens in the Village of Northport on Long Island. The rain gardens will capture 15,000 gallons of storm water and remove harmful pollutants like motor oil, pesticides, and nitrogen before entering Northport Harbor and Long Island Sound! Last month was planting day. We joined a group of volunteers, including the Village of Northport Mayor, for a great day of planting and implementing this important project. It looks great – make sure you check it out if you are in the area.
Combatting Ocean Acidification with Kelp
We joined Dr. Chris Gobler from Stony Brook University and Mike Doall, Associate Director of Shellfish Restoration and Aquaculture, to announce the results of an important study on the impacts of kelp harvesting. A Stony Brook-led study found that locally grown kelp can help combat ocean acidification and reduce nitrogen pollution in local waterways while benefiting local shellfish farmers. This is a finding of global significance that can help improve water quality, combat the worst climate change impacts in targeted water bodies, and support shellfish farming locally. It was a great event –check out the press conference here.
Sharing CCE’s Experience with Visitors from Kazakhstan
Through the International Institute of Buffalo, we met with a group of journalists and non-profit representatives from Kazakhstan. CCE’s Brian Smith shared information about how CCE advances policies to protect our environment and public health in NY and the nation, which the group can learn from and bring back to their country. We learned a lot too and were grateful for the experience!
Check out our recently released Offshore Wind Roundtable Discussions
Long Island is on the front lines of climate change and we are already experiencing impacts of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, ocean acidification and more. The good news is that we are also in the midst of a massive shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy, especially offshore wind. We worked with our partners in labor and leading environmental experts to film two roundtable discussions to clarify the benefits of offshore wind for Long Island. Learn more and check out the videos here. If you are on Long Island, you can also check out these videos on Altice public access channel 115 on Fridays from 5pm-6pm.
Long Island Sound High School Summit
In May, we were excited to hold our first in-person Long Island Sound High School Summit. We had a great event with 8 schools, 100 students, and 30 unique Long Island Sound protection projects. It was fantastic to see the depth and diversity of the student’s work and we are proud of these future Long Island Sound protection leaders. Thank you to all the teachers and students for their hard work and to our partners at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and Friends of the Bay.
Be on the Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms
As the weather begins to get warmer, and we start spending more time outside and lakeside, it is important to be aware of dangerous harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs pose 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 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!
Upcoming: Protecting Long Island Sound
We are working with our partners at The Nature Conservancy and Save the Sound to host a 3-part webinar series “Long Island Sound: Driving Local Actions to Tackle Water Pollution” to discuss, convene, and share solutions to marine debris, nitrogen, and fecal bacteria pollution. Last month we co-hosted the second webinar on combatting nitrogen pollution. The June 16th webinar will include presentations and a panel of experts discussing ways to tackle fecal bacteria pollution in the Sound. Each webinar will allow time for a question-and-answer session with the panelists and technical break-out groups for those that want to take a deeper dive into pollution issues. Register now!
