A proposal to alienate 2.48 acres of Kings Point Park to create a parking lot for a community center died in the State Assembly on Tuesday.
The bill, proposed by Assemb. Daniel Norber (R-Great Neck), did not make it to the floor before the legislative session ended Tuesday. A companion bill proposed by State Sen. Jack Martins (R-Old Westbury) passed the Senate on Friday.
On Friday, June 20th, over 125 engaged citizens and governmental officials celebrated forty years of advocacy by partners of the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to protect Long Island Sound, our nation’s second largest estuary, from pollution and other threats. The milestone was marked by the renaming of LISS to Long Island Sound Partnership (LISP) and the signing of a new bipartisan Comprehensive Conservation & Management Plan (CCMP). “The CCMP provides a blueprint for collaboration and establishes goals, objectives and actions for the next 10 years to further restore and protect the Sound.”
A new community theater, a restored 300-year-old home and “micro-apartments” near downtown.
These are among the projects Farmingdale leaders are hoping to realize using a $4.5 million New York Forward grant the village was awarded this spring. The village plans to hold a series of public meetings to gather ideas about the best ways to spend the money.
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New York State Legislative Session Wrap Up
We’ve spent the last six months in Albany fighting to pass our New York legislative priorities for the year. The Legislature wrapped up in June, and we had some big victories with bills that were passed and will head to the Governor’s desk for her signature:
Horseshoe Crab Protection Act passes! Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 350 million years, having shared this planet with the dinosaurs. Sadly, the species is now vulnerable to local extinction unless action is taken soon. The legislature passed a bill banning the harvesting of horseshoe crabs.
Affordable Septic Replacement bill passes! The legislature passed a bill that will increase the amount of money homeowners can get to replace outdated, polluting septic systems with new, pollution-reducing enhanced systems. The new grants of up to $25,000 per project will incentivize homeowners to make the switch to new systems that reduce pollution and protect our waterways.
Ban on Toxic Chemicals in Menstrual Products passes! Independent testing of menstrual products has detected harmful chemicals including phthalates, PFAS, bisphenols, formaldehyde, and many others. The legislature passed a bill that will ban toxic chemicals in menstrual products in order to protect public health.
Unfortunately, not all of our priority bills passed this year.
The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, which would have reduced product packaging, eliminated toxins in packaging, increased packaging recyclability, prevented plastic pollution, and saved taxpayers money, passed the Senate but failed to be brought up for a vote in the Assembly.
The Ban on PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Everyday Products also failed to be brought up for a vote in the Assembly after passing the Senate. This bill would have prohibited the unnecessary use of toxic PFAS chemicals in a host of everyday products, including rugs, cookware, paints, children’s products, dental floss, and cleaning products.
NY Assembly Speaker has continued to hold up crucial bills that would protect our air, water, and health despite these bills having enough votes to pass. Read our Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito’s statement on Speaker Heastie’s failure to allow environmental bills to come up for a vote here.
Suffolk County Water Authority Adopts Federal PFAS Standard for Drinking Water!
The US EPA may be moving to delay implementation of their federal PFAS standards, but water suppliers can still move ahead with installing PFAS treatment systems to protect drinking water as soon as possible. We congratulate Suffolk County Water Authority for adopting the federal PFAS Standards (4ppt for PFOA and PFOS) years ahead of schedule! We joined SCWA, Suffolk County Executive Romaine, Brookhaven Supervisor Panico and Suffolk County Legislators for a press conference. CCE’s Adrienne Esposito spoke on the harmful health impacts of PFOS/PFOA and applauded SCWA on the installation of Granulated Activated Carbon (GAC) tanks which filter out these contaminants. This is an amazing victory for public health and our environment on Long Island by ensuring “forever chemicals” aren’t affecting our clean drinking water. We hope other water suppliers around the country do the same and install treatment ahead of schedule!
Celebrating 40 years of Protecting Long Island Sound
We had a wonderful time attending the Long Island Sound Partnership 40th Anniversary Celebration and ceremonial signing of the Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (CCMP). The updated plan outlines a renewed framework for initiatives aimed at improving water quality, restoring and protecting habitats and wildlife, strengthening community resilience, and inspiring people to value the Long Island Sound. This long-standing partnership is a testament of the hard work and dedication of the countless organizations, State and Federal agencies who have worked together to protect and restore the Sound for future generations. U.S. Representatives Suozzi, Himes and Latimer all participated. We’re proud to be part of this collaborative effort to safeguard one our nation’s largest estuaries!
Updates on Our Work to Advance Offshore Wind:
• Empire Wind is Under Construction! In April, the Trump Administration announced a stop work order on Empire Wind 1 – the offshore wind farm being built off the coast of Long Beach that would power 500,000 homes in NYC. New York State, along with environmental and labor groups, pushed the Administration to reverse the decision and allow Empire Wind to continue. The Trump Administration lifted the stop-work order in May. In June, Empire Wind began offshore construction on its turbines. There is now steel in the water and New Yorkers back to work in the growing “wind-ustry”!
• Follow Wind Works New York: Follow or Like Wind Works New York to get the latest updates on offshore wind news, events, and actions and share with the people you know who care about clean energy.
• Team Green: Jacob, Beau, Abigail, Jakob, Clare, and Paige will be interning with us this summer. They were at beaches, festivals, and events around south shore Long Island throughout June conducting education on offshore wind. Stop by if you see us at a local event and get important environmental updates and get fun prizes all summer!
• Saying Yes to Propel Energy: Long Island, New York City and Westchester need to improve the reliability and resiliency of our energy grid to ensure capacity during high demand times. The Propel NY Energy transmission project is part of the solution, strengthening the electric grid with increased transmission capacity and helping inject more clean energy into the statewide grid. In June, we launched a public education campaign and throughout July, we will be heading out to Long Island communities to speak with people about the importance of this transmission project. Our summer interns and interns from Uniondale High School will be out and hope to see you soon!
Saying NO to Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
The US Bureau of Ocean Energy Management is considering its draft National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program, which includes up to 11 new oil and gas lease sales—a step backward for our climate, ocean health, and clean energy future. While the plan doesn’t currently propose lease sales in the Atlantic, we know that continued oil and gas development threatens our climate goals, marine ecosystems, and the momentum we’re building for offshore wind. We must make it clear that any new leasing, especially along the East Coast, puts climate progress, coastal economies, and jobs at risk. We submitted comments opposing oil and gas development and thank all who weighed in to protect our oceans from drilling.
On the Long Island Sound with Uniondale High School
After partnering with Uniondale High School in April to talk with 250+ students about protecting Long Island Sound and combatting climate change, we headed out for field trips up to the Sound in May and June. We had an incredible time with Uniondale High School at The Waterfront Center exploring the Long Island Sound! Students interacted with marine creatures in the touch tank, participated in beach seining, and boarded the Ida May to test water quality and take part in a dredge. It was a fun and educational experience that helped deepen their understanding of the Sound and the diverse marine life that call it home.
Raising a Glass for a Great Cause
We were thrilled to kick off ONCE Finger Lakes’ Toast for a Cause series. Thanks to all who joined us for a relaxing afternoon of wine, food, and conversation in support of our work to protect New York’s environment. ONCE generously donated 10% of the day’s sales to us, helping us continue our mission to fight for clean water, combat climate change, address toxic chemicals, and promote strong environmental policies. We had a great time sipping, snacking, and talking to the attendees about our work and how they can get involved.
Calling for Progress on Lawrence Aviation Industries Site on Long Island
For the last five years, environmental and community groups have worked with elected officials and government agencies to clean up Lawrence Aviation Industries property, which was a former Superfund Site. The Suffolk County Landbank Corporation and the MTA entered a contract in 2023 under which a portion of the LAI site would be transferred to the MTA for $10, for use in the modernization of the Long Island Railroad and improve transportation for Suffolk residents. The problem is that the Department of Transportation (DOT) has never signed the easement agreement necessary for the transfer and had a deadline of June 30th to sign. We held a press conference calling on Governor Hochul to compel the New York State Department of Transportation to provide the easement for the LIA property. The event had bipartisan support, bringing together elected officials from all levels of government and stakeholders from environmental groups, and community leaders. As the deadline approached, DOT got a six-month extension to sign the agreement.
Be on the Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms
As we start enjoying summer here in New York, 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. To learn more about HABs and efforts taken to combat them on Cayuga Lake check out our short video. 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!
Celebrating 40 Years!
This year we are celebrating 40 years of work to protect our air, land, and water—and fighting climate change! Your generosity and support has given us these 40 incredible years! Now we are asking you to please continue your support for our mission of empowering communities, advocating solutions for public health protection and preserving our natural world. Together we can make a difference! Your contribution helps us continue our fight for a cleaner, healthier future! Please support us today!
ALBANY — State legislators have made another run at prohibiting the harvesting of horseshoe crabs, hoping a bill they approved this week won’t be quashed by a veto.
The State Senate gave final approval late Wednesday to a bill that bans harvest of horseshoe crabs for use as bait or for biomedical purposes. The Assembly passed it a week earlier.
Despite widespread PFAS contamination on Long Island, SCWA delivers treated water with no PFOA or PFOS above federal limits.
The Suffolk County Water Authority announced today that all treated water it supplies to customers is in full compliance with the federal drinking water standards for PFOA and PFOS—six years ahead of the 2031 compliance deadline set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The New York Department of State has announced the availability of $1.5 million in grants to protect, preserve, and restore the South Shore Estuary Reserve on Long Island. The funding, timed to coincide with World Oceans Month, supports the implementation of the recently adopted $3.5 million SSER Strategic Investment Plan.
Targeted to municipalities, nonprofits and academic institutions, the grants aim to improve shoreline resiliency, enhance water quality, and expand public access to water-based recreation.
Funding Implements Strategies to Increase Shoreline Resiliency, Water Quality and Recreational Accessibility for Long Island Residents
Funding Coincides With and Celebrates World Oceans Month
In celebration of World Oceans Month, the New York Department of State today announced the availability of $1.5 million in funding through the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER) Local Assistance Grants Program. The grants will help communities advance SSER priorities, including improved water quality, shoreline resiliency, habitat health, accessible water-based recreation and tourism, environmental education and economic development. The Program is the first step in the implementation of the $3.5 million SSER Strategic Investment Plan to guide future funding opportunities.
While the Lawrence Aviation Industries site in Port Jefferson Station is clean and cleared from the superfund registry, the atmosphere around the prospective rail yard is murkier than ever.
The MTA has yet to secure the 40 acres allocated to the rail yard, which would be crucial to electrifying the Port Jefferson line. As the June 30 deadline approaches, local officials and environmental leaders met at the site on June 2 to urge the MTA to sign and for Governor Kathy Hochul to apply further pressure. Brookhaven bought 40 acres to preserve as open space and the county bought the other 40 acres to use as a solar farm.
Please join CCE and our partners in the Coastal Watershed Network, including The Nature Conservancy and Save the Sound, for an educational webinar to kick-off Plastic-Free July. The free webinar will address plastic pollution on the shoreline and in our oceans, microplastics in our soils and food system, and the use of visual art to communicate the issue of plastic waste.
We look forward to hearing from experts in our region about this pervasive issue impacting the environment and public health. There will be a discussion at the end and an opportunity to get your questions answered!
When: Tuesday, July 8, 12:00pm-1:00pm
Where: Online via Zoom, register here.
Speakers:
Dr. Katharine Owens, Professor at University of Hartford, National Geographic Explorer and Fulbright Nehru Fellow
Dr. Jason White, Professor at Yale School of Public Health, Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
All of us at CCE
New York State has awarded another $5 million grant to the Port Washington Water District to build a granular activated carbon treatment system designed to remove PFOA and PFOS contamination from another of its wells.
The grant will help the water district, which serves about 9,400 households, provide “water that meets or exceeds any standard out there” for removing PFOA and PFOS chemicals, district superintendent Paul Prignano said in an interview.
Long Islander Lee Zeldin was thrust into the national spotlight with his nomination by President Donald Trump to be administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Trump said: “I have known Lee Zeldin for a long time, and have watched him handle, brilliantly, some extremely difficult and complex situations. I am very proud to have him in the Trump Administration, where he will quickly prove to be a great contributor.”
New legislation would establish New York State Road Salt Reduction Council and Citizen Advisory Committee to protect water, health, and communities
A coalition of environmental, municipal, and public health advocates is calling for swift passage of legislation (A.4481-A/S.6976-A) to establish a New York State Road Salt Reduction Council and Citizen Advisory Committee. This body would be tasked with implementing the recommendations published by the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force in 2023. The Senate passed a version of this bill in 2024, and is poised to pass the bill once again.
As the Democrats on the Ways and Means Committee reported, the “GOP Tax Scam” cuts nearly $1 trillion from the health care system – effectively chipping away if not repealing entirely the Affordable Care Act - eliminating health coverage for at least 13.7 million Americans including 1.5 million New Yorkers.
Highlights the need for action against HABs to protect New York State’s water bodies
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham, chair of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, and State Senator Rachel May hosted a public hearing on May 21 here at the State Capitol to evaluate the efficacy of New York State’s monitoring and management of harmful algal blooms (HABs) and to examine potential legislative solutions.
