The Long Island South Shore Estuary Reserve, a sprawling 70-mile-long network of waterways vulnerable to environmental pressures, will receive a $2.4 million infusion of state funding.
The New York State Department of State, at a press conference at Tobay Beach Wednesday afternoon, said eight municipalities, nonprofits and agencies earned the awards through the South Shore Estuary Reserve Local Assistance Grant Program.
After the discovery of chemical drums at Bethpage Community Park last year, Oyster Bay officials worried about the presence of hexavalent chromium, a cancer-causing toxin, in the soil near the drums, federal court records show.
They were concerned by what they saw: yellow and green sludge, a sign of chromium contamination, according to a filing in the town's lawsuit against Northrop Grumman, which seeks to accelerate and widen the scope of the plan to clean up the 18-acre property Grumman Aerospace used as a toxic dumping grounds for decades.
In the most recent fiscal year, New York made more investments in water infrastructure than in any prior year.
Announcing the record spending Wednesday at Albany’s Corning Preserve, President and CEO of New York’s Environmental Facilities Corporation Maureen Coleman says nearly 330 projects were executed with financial assistance in the last fiscal year -- a 55 percent increase year-to-year.
The South Fork Wind project, America’s first commercial offshore wind farm, has now been operational for one year. Join us for an update from Orsted on one year of progress and learn the benefits of powering 70,000 south fork homes with renewable energy. In addition, the Orsted team will be giving an update on Sunrise Wind, which is currently under construction and will power 600,000 Long Island homes via a cable connection to Holbrook.
This is a great opportunity to learn about South Fork and Sunrise Wind and have a discussion with the experts. There will be an opportunity for Q & A after the presentation. We hope you can join us.
When: Wednesday, November 19th from 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Where: Via Zoom (Register here)
This event is cosponsored by Citizens Campaign for the Environment, NY League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, New York Offshore Wind Alliance, LI Federation of Labor, Students for Climate Action, Sierra Club, Renewable Energy Long Island, All our Energy, Win with Wind and other Wind Works NY partners!
Sincerely,
All of us at CCE
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.
Fighting to Save the Horseshoe Crab!
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. Horseshoe crabs are an essential species in the food web—a decline in their population is harming the ecosystem and threatening bird species that depend upon the crabs for food. In order to save the horseshoe crab, the New York State Legislature passed a bill to ban harvesting of horseshoe crabs. Now, we need Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law. In October, we held a rally and press conference on Long Island with dozens of our environmental partners highlighting the importance of saving this crucial species and urging the Governor to sign the bill this year. If you haven’t yet, email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign this important bill into law!
Clean Drinking Water for Calverton on Long Island!
We joined the Suffolk County Water Authority and Suffolk County Supervisor Ed Romaine for a press conference last month to celebrate a major water expansion along South River Road in Calverton, NY. Ever since PFAS was discovered in 2022, we have been working alongside community members to advocate for funding to build this expansion and get residents hooked up to public water. We are happy to share that this $8.65 multi-phase project installed 20,000 ft of new water main, providing 92 additional homes with access to clean drinking water, replacing private wells, and ensuring protection from PFAS contamination!
Adrienne Esposito Receives Green Biz Award!
Our Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito, was honored through the Long Island Green Biz award from L.I. Herald for her decades of environmental advocacy in October. It was a great event, thank you to the Herald and congratulations to all the award recipients!
Opposing Federal Funding Cuts to Clean Water
New York and Connecticut’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is aging and failing, putting our economy, health, and environment at risk. Regrettably, the President and Congress have proposed to cut funding for critical clean water infrastructure programs. Significant funding cuts would hamper our ability to stop sewage overflows, treat drinking water for toxic emerging contaminants, make drinking water affordable to all, and create good-paying jobs. As Congress works to finalize a federal budget, we are pushing for NY and CT’s Congressional Delegations to reject these draconian cuts and protect clean water funding! Contact your two U.S. Senators and Representative in the U.S. House today and urge them to support full clean water funding!
Reducing Stormwater Runoff in Suffolk County
A new study by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) will monitor water quality and study the harmful effects of stormwater runoff of 5 waterways in Suffolk County. This $1.5 million initiative will help improve water quality by monitoring the effects of nitrogen pollution into our ocean, rivers, bays, and groundwater. We spoke in support of this new initiative alongside our environmental partners, Legislator Flotteron and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. This is a big step towards reducing polluted stormwater runoff into our streams.
Patchogue Village Composting Program
We are joining the Village of Patchogue to launch a residential composting program, the first of its kind on Long Island! This will help reduce waste and increase organics recycling as Long Island faces a solid waste crisis. We still have spots available to participate in the program. This program is for Village residents only and it’s free to participate. Sign up for more information here.
Upcoming: Lunch and Learn: South Fork and Sunrise Wind Updates
It's officially been one year since South Fork Wind, America's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, began its operations. To highlight its success, Orsted will be joining us and our Wind Works partners for a Lunch and Learn webinar on November 19th from 12:00pm – 1:00 pm. This is a great opportunity to learn more about how the South Fork Wind Farm is powering 70,000 homes and strengthening our energy grid. There will also be an update about Sunrise Wind, which is currently under construction and will power 600,000 Long Island homes. Register today!
Upcoming: Long Island Climate Change Communi-Tea Meeting
Long Island is already experiencing the effects of climate change, from rising temperatures, flooding, extreme weather and much more. It’s more important now to get the facts and hear the truth. We have launched a series of community meetings to deliver an informative, science-based presentation where we will dive into local environmental issues and explore the inspiring work happening across Long Island to transition to renewable energy and strengthen our climate resiliency. We have held great events in Brentwood and Medford so far. Thanks to all who came out and participated in the discussion. We have another scheduled for East Northport in November. Register here.
Wastewater improvement projects from Oakdale to Huntington Station totaling $3.5 billion could be first in line for Suffolk County funding from its Water Quality Restoration Fund based on the newly formed board's rankings of 30 projects.
The board also recommended the county increase its grants for homeowners to upgrade to enhanced septic systems by $5,000.
More than 200 community members gathered at Stony Brook University’s Center of Excellence in Wireless and Information Technology (CEWIT) for the second annual Energy & Infrastructure Open House and Union Apprenticeship Awareness Day.
Discolored water continues to run into the Nissequogue River along Paul T. Given Park after a contractor struck an underground spring on Aug. 2, a spokesperson for the town of Smithtown said.
Experts like Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito said the situation looks worse than it is.
CONEY ISLAND, Brooklyn (PIX11) — A young sea turtle named Elton made a swift and inspiring return to the wild waters off Coney Island Wednesday, marking an encouraging moment for sea turtle conservation efforts.
The endangered Kemp’s ridley turtle was found cold-stunned on a Massachusetts beach in December 2024 and has since undergone rehabilitation thanks to dedicated partnerships and community support.
Coney Island, NY, Aug. 6, 2025—New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton joined the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS), elected officials, and environmental leaders to release a rehabilitated Kemp’s ridley sea turtle back into the Atlantic Ocean outside the New York Aquarium. The event celebrated the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) that helps protect and restore the health of the state’s ocean and coasts.
Elton, an endangered Kemp’s ridley sea turtle, was the star of the show on Coney Island Beach on Aug. 6, as he was released into the Atlantic Ocean after a monthslong rehabilitation.
The U.S. Navy is set to open a new treatment plant that is expected to help contain the extensive Grumman groundwater plume slowly moving south in Nassau County.
The Navy plant on Union Avenue, near Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage, is expected to be operational in September, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
Great Lakes Cheese often polluted Ischua Creek, data shows
It has been nearly a month since the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation began investigating wastewater discharge from Great Lakes Cheese that likely killed tens of thousands of fish and countless other aquatic species in Ischua Creek.
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.
Celebrating at our 40th Birthday Bash!
We’ve reached a significant milestone and had a giant celebration in September. We celebrated our 40th year of working to protect our environment and public health with hundreds of our friends and colleagues who have helped make CCE successful over the last four decades. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to our Birthday Bash and made it a fantastic night! Special thanks to our speakers, NYS DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton, NYSERDA President Doreen Harris, NY Deputy Secretary of State Keisha Santiago, Congressman Nick LaLota, and Assemblymember Deborah Glick.
Tackling Marine Debris in the South Shore Estuary Reserve
In honor of National Estuaries Week, the Department of State (DOS) has awarded $2.4M in funding through the South Shore Estuary Reserve Grants (SSER) Local Assistance Program, which will support local communities improve water quality, improve habitat, and advance environmental education along the south shore of Long Island. We received a $238k grant to be used toward marine debris removal and educational outreach with our friends at Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and Operation SPLASH. A huge thank you to NYS DOS!
Chemical Waste Management Denied Request for New Hazardous Waste Landfill in Western NY!
In September, the New York State Facility Siting Board officially denied CWM’s request to build a new hazardous waste landfill in Niagara County in WNY. For over 10 years, we have opposed this ill-conceived, unnecessary proposal that would have brought more than four million tons of hazardous waste to an already overburdened community for decades to come. This is a major victory for the community and the health of our Great Lakes!
Opposing Federal Funding Cuts to Clean Water
New York and Connecticut’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is aging and failing, putting our economy, health, and environment at risk. Regrettably, the President and Congress have proposed to cut funding for critical clean water infrastructure programs. Significant funding cuts would hamper our ability to stop sewage overflows, treat drinking water for toxic emerging contaminants, make drinking water affordable to all, and create good-paying jobs. As Congress works to finalize a federal budget, we are pushing for NY and CT’s Congressional Delegations to reject these draconian cuts and protect clean water funding! Contact your two U.S. Senators and Representative in the U.S. House today and urge them to support full clean water funding!
Pushing to Hold Water Polluters Accountable in WNY and Beyond
This summer, a failure of the wastewater system at the Great Lakes Cheese facility in Cattaraugus County killed tens of thousands of fish and other aquatic life in Ischua Creek (after the facility had already violated its permits several times in recent months). Not only was it critical to address this specific issue and hold the company accountable, but it has raised concerns about other facilities that are polluting our waters and not being held accountable by New York State. In a recent Buffalo News article, we called for the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation to be held accountable for enforcing the Clean Water Act—a primary function of the agency—not only at Great Lakes Cheese, but other polluting facilities across the state.
Updates on Our Work to Advance Offshore Wind:
• New York State Energy Plan: The New York State Energy Planning Board recently released the Draft 2025 State Energy Plan. We held a big pro-renewable energy rally and press conference before heading into a public hearing in September with many of our Wind Works partners to testify. Environment, labor, and community leaders urged New York State not to backtrack on our climate goals and to move forward with clean, renewable energy projects including offshore wind. We are telling New York State that sticking with our climate and offshore wind mandates will enable us to have cleaner air, grow our green economy, bring economic benefits to our communities, make our electric grid more sustainable, stabilize electricity rates, and increase our local, domestic energy supply.
• South Fork Wind Shows Success in First Year: It's officially been ONE YEAR since South Fork Wind, America's first commercial-scale offshore wind farm, began its operations. To highlight it's success, Ørsted U.S. has released its first-year report showcasing strong performance and reliability. During the first half of 2025, South Fork Wind performed a notable 53% net capacity factor making it a favorable competitor against legacy power plants and generated electricity 92% of time displaying a steady generation profile throughout the day that rose in the afternoon when New York needs to meet peak daily load. This new report emphasizes how offshore wind can provide enough reliable, cost-effective energy to power to New York, even in times of higher energy demand; all while supporting the local economy by creating thousands of jobs!
• Saying Yes to Battery Energy Storage: As part of NY’s transition to renewable energy, especially offshore wind, we will need to use battery energy storage systems (BESS). BESS systems store energy from renewable energy sources and deliver it when electricity demand is greatest, helping to create a more reliable grid. This summer, New York’s Intra-Agency Fire Safety Task Force adopted the most stringent, protective fire code in the country for BESS to ensure they can be built safely and sited properly. However, several Long Island towns persist with moratoriums on BESS. In September, we went to Town of Islip to urge the Town Board not to approve a 12-month moratorium on battery storage systems. Unfortunately, the Town moved forward with the moratorium. We are keeping up the fight for BESS, so stayed tuned for more updates on how you can support these critical projects.
Healing Our Waters (HOW) Great Lakes Coalition Conference Comes to Rochester
As a state lead for the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Coalition in New York, we were thrilled to have HOW bring their national Great Lakes conference to Rochester in September! The conference featured topical and varied plenaries and workshops, exciting field trips in and around Rochester, and abundant chances to meet and network with Great Lakes advocates from around the region. It was great to have the City of Rochester and Lake Ontario highlighted at this major event!
Patchogue Village Composting Program
We are joining the Village of Patchogue to launch a residential composting program, the first of its kind on Long Island! This will help reduce waste and increase organics recycling as Long Island faces a solid waste crisis. We held the first meeting on the composting program at the Patchogue-Medford Library in September and had a great discussion with residents interested in joining. We still have spots available to participate in the program. This program is for Village residents only and it’s free to participate. Sign up for more information here.
Long Island Climate Change Communi-Tea Meetings
Long Island is already experiencing the effects of climate change, from rising temperatures, flooding, extreme weather and much more. It’s more important now to get the facts and hear the truth. We have launched a series of community meetings to deliver an informative, science-based presentation where we will dive into local environmental issues and explore the inspiring work happening across Long Island to transition to renewable energy and strengthen our climate resiliency. We have held great events in Brentwood and Medford so far. Thanks to all who came out and participated in the discussion. We have another scheduled for East Northport in November. Register here.
The Trump administration's plan to rescind a rule used to enforce limits on greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles will jeopardize health and safety on Long Island while undermining billions of dollars New York has spent electrifying the transportation sector, local environmental advocates and scientific experts say.
“Trump’s EPA to repeal core of greenhouse gas rules,” was the Reuters headline this week as Lee Zeldin, chosen by Donald Trump to be administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, announced what Reuters said “will rescind the long-standing finding that greenhouse gas emissions endanger human health, as well as tailpipe emission standards for vehicles, removing the legal foundation of greenhouse gas regulations across industries.”
