Calverton Navy Plume Community Meeting

Residents in Brookhaven Town and Riverhead Town – Please Attend!

Join us on April 28th at the Manorville Fire Department for a community meeting with Suffolk County health experts who will present NEW data and growing concerns about groundwater and surface water contamination caused by the Calverton Navy superfund site. 

For decades, there has been a growing concern about contamination spreading into Long Island’s sole-source aquifer and local waterways. The toxic plume originated from the former Navy/Gruman facility in Calverton and is adversely impacting the Peconic River and local lakes. Continued delays have fueled frustration to residents, advocates and county officials who fear health risks associated with our drinking water and surface water bodies. Already this year, Swan Lake was closed to fishing due to high levels of PFAS in fish.  

The Navy have been dragging their feet for decades; it’s time for accountability and action NOW!

Meeting Information

Date:
Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Time:
6:00pm

Location:
Manorville Fire Department
16 Silas Carter Rd, Manorville, NY

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
All of Us at CCE

Highlights and Happenings: March 2026

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

CCE Releases New Report: PFAS and Produce 
We worked with Stony Brook University and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) to release a new collaborative study that examined whether PFAS chemicals were detected in four types of locally grown vegetables on Long Island. Unfortunately, we found PFAS detections in all the samples tested. In March, we released the report and held a Lunch and Learn virtual presentation to discuss the results. Ultimately, this is another reason we need to reduce our PFAS exposure to protect our health and environment. We are currently advocating to protect New York from PFAS “forever chemicals” by banning them in everyday products. This legislation has passed the NY Senate, but still needs to pass the Assembly. Email your NYS Assemblymember and Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie today and urge them to pass this important legislation! 

U.S. House Votes to Reauthorize Great Lakes Restoration Initiative! 
In late March, the U.S. House voted with strong bipartisan support to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) program through 2031. Since 2010, the GLRI has invested over $5 billion in restoring the health of the Great Lakes—cleaning up toxic hot spots (e.g. Buffalo River and Rochester Embayment), fighting invasive species (e.g. Asian carp & Sea Lamprey), protecting habitat, and more. We’ve made progress, but we have much more work to do. GLRI authorization is set to expire in October of 2026, unless reauthorized by Congress. We are grateful that the U.S. House took action, and we are now urging the U.S. Senate to follow suit! 

Victory! Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Virginia Offshore Wind Projects Come Online 
In December 2025, the Trump Administration abruptly and unjustifiably halted construction on five offshore wind projects. All five projects successfully fought for the court to overturn the stop-work orders and allow construction to continue. The two projects off New York’s coast - Sunrise and Empire Wind - are once again under construction and will ultimately power over 1 million NY homes with renewable energy. In March, the three other offshore wind projects came online. Revolution Wind in Connecticut, Vineyard Wind in Massachusetts, and Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind are now powering homes with clean, renewable energy generated right off the east coast. This is a huge victory for offshore wind and for fighting climate change! 

---

Happenings

Working to Protect the Great Lakes in D.C. 
CCE’s Brian Smith headed down to D.C. in March with our partners in the Healing Our Waters Coalition for Great Lakes Days. We met with many members of New York’s Congressional delegation, urging them to fully fund and reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, fully fund and reauthorize the Clean Water and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and pass a Farm Bill that supports clean water and conservation. We’ve made real progress to protect and restore the health of the lakes, but we still have work to do and will keep fighting! 

Heading to Albany for Long Island Lobby Day 
Last month we once again went to Albany for our 18th Annual Long Island Lobby Day! CCE co-chairs the Long Island Lobby Coalition, a diverse group of Long Island small businesses, civics, human services, labor, transportation and environmental advocates, which work to advance a shared agenda for Long Island. This year we talked about funding for clean water, expanding solar energy, assisting small businesses, improving transportation, supporting affordable housing, improving human services and more. Thank you to the representatives of the NY Senate and Assembly, as well as the Governor’ staff, who met with us for some very productive discussions. 

Gearing Up for the Long Island Sound High School Summit 
We joined our partners at Atlantic Marine Conservation Society and Friends of the Bay on visits to several high schools to educate students on the importance of protecting the Long Island Sound. We spoke about our ongoing restoration efforts through the Long Island Sound Partnership and our current challenges such as nitrogen loading, habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change and plastic pollution. As part of our upcoming LI Sound High School Summit, students will prepare a project related to protection and restoration of the Sound and then participate in an educational field trip to The WaterFront Center in May to experience hands-on learning about the Sound. 

Tackling Plastic Pollution 
We held a virtual Lunch and Learn presentation last month on the plastic pollution crisis facing Long Island’s beaches, bays, harbors, and estuaries. Plastics and other pollution such as fishing gear, scrap metal, rubber, and glass don’t break down in the environment. Instead, these materials accumulate in our oceans and bays, and wash ashore threatening our wildlife, degrading beaches and polluting marine ecosystems. Grassroots cleanup efforts are critical to combating this crisis and Operation SPLASH and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS) are leading the charge on Long Island. Check out the video to learn about plastic pollution on Long Island and what you can do to help. 

Waters to Peoples: Community Meeting
We co-hosted our 3rd indigenous community meeting focused on protecting the marine life of Long Island Sound. In partnership with The Metoac Indigenous Collective and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, this event focused on the marine mammals and sea turtles found in our local waters and their cultural, ecological, and community significance. We spoke of the environmental challenges facing Long Island Sound and collaborative stewardship and ways the public can help protect these species. It was great to learn about Indigenous knowledge systems and tribal cultural practices, and how relationship-building between communities and scientists strengthens conservation efforts. Thanks to all who participated. 

Talking Climate Change with Uniondale High School 
As part of our continuing partnership with Uniondale High School, we headed into the school in March and gave classroom presentations to over 250 students about combatting climate change, environmental impacts on Long Island and embracing offshore wind and renewable energy. We highlighted the pathways into clean energy careers, empowering the next generation to be part of the solution. A huge thank you to the teachers and administrative staff for your continued partnership in bringing these important conversations into the classroom. 

Urging Governor Hochul not to Roll Back NY’s Climate Law 

New York State stepped up as a national leader when we passed the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) in 2019—driving investment in clean, renewable energy, creating jobs, reducing our dependence on polluting, expensive fossil fuels, and protecting the safety of our most vulnerable communities. Regrettably, Governor Hochul is now signaling that she may roll back the state’s landmark law, which would put our families at risk to the rising cost of fossil fuels and increased air pollution in our communities. While the Trump administration gives the fossil fuel industry a free pass to emit toxins into our air, denies the scientific reality of climate change, and recklessly stops job-creating renewable energy projects in their tracks—we are urging New York State, under Governor Hochul’s leadership, to do better. If you haven’t yet, email Governor Hochul today and urge her NOT to weaken the CLCPA! 

Long Island Youth Climate Summit 
We had a great time at the 2026 Long Island Youth Climate Summit with Students for Climate Action and Renewable Energy Long Island, where 200+ students representing 13 High Schools from all across Long Island came together for a day of education, collaboration and inspiration. Our Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito, spoke on activism, climate change, offshore wind and misinformation on social media. Students learned that the best way to advocate is by simply showing up, standing up, and speaking up! 

Oppose Rollbacks to the Successful Bottle Bill

Connecticut must not go backwards on recycling and plastic pollution in our communities

Connecticut’s bottle deposit law (a.k.a. the Bottle Bill) is a convenient and proven effective way to increase recycling and keep our environment free from bottles and cans that would otherwise litter our roadways, beaches, and open spaces. According to national recycling data, states with deposit systems in place have recycling rates that are more than twice as high as states without a bottle deposit, making the Bottle Bill one of the most effective environmental laws in Connecticut—ever!

State legislation (SB 516) has been introduced that would revert Connecticut’s deposit value back to only 5 cents. Rolling back the deposit would be a huge step backwards—more plastic pollution, reduced recycling rates, higher costs for municipalities, and the potential job losses for the more than 1,600 jobs this system supports. 

While we support meaningful actions to address issues of redemption fraud, including improved enforcement, weakening the law is not the way to achieve this. Connecticut’s 10 cent deposit results in significantly higher redemption rates—increasing recycling and reducing litter in our communities. Email the Joint Finance Committee today and tell them that you oppose rollbacks to the Bottle Bill! 

Sincerely,
All of Us at CCE

HELP PROTECT OUR LONG ISLAND SOUND

The U.S. Senate Needs to Pass the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act

As an Estuary of National Significance, the immense value of the Long Island Sound (LIS) cannot be overstated. Twenty million people live within 50 miles of the Sound’s beaches. Residents of New York and Connecticut depend on the Sound for recreational opportunities, including fishing, sailing, and swimming. LI Sound is a critical component to our regional economy, generating $8.25 billion annually.

Despite the Sound’s immense value, it has been degraded by pollution, toxic algae blooms, and other threats. However, we are making progress in the fight for clean water!  Funding provided by the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act helps to advance restoration; however, problems persist. The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023, putting our progress at risk. The U.S. House recently voted to extend the law through 2031, and now the U.S Senate must act to reauthorize this critical legislation to maintain progress in restoring the health of the Long Island Sound.  Email your two U.S. Senators today and urge them to support the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act, which will provide up to $65 million annually through 2031.

Background

History of the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act
In 1985, Congress created the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to identify and address the major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS is authorized at $40 million annually through the LIS Restoration Act. The LISS is a collaborative effort, which includes government agencies, not-for-profits, and individuals, all working to restore and protect the Sound and its watershed. Through the LISS, a bi-state Comprehensive Management Plan has been developed and is being implemented.

In 2006, Congress passed the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which is authorized at $25 million annually. This important legislation identifies key areas surrounding the Sound and provides funding for preservation and public access improvements.

These critically important acts were later combined to create the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act, which provides up to $65 million annually in federal funding for LIS restoration. The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act expired in 2023—it is critically important that Congress act now to reauthorize this important program!

Progress Has Been Made, but More Work Remains
Federal funding spurred progress in restoring the Sound:

• Restored 2,400 acres of coastal habitat within the Sound’s watershed. 

• Reduced nitrogen pollution by 60%, resulting in a 60% reduction in hypoxia (low levels of oxygen that cannot sustain marine life).

• Slashed stormwater pollution by 206 million gallons—significantly improving water quality and restoring marine habitats. 

• Created 450 miles of new fish passage—pods of dolphins can now be spotted in the Sound during summer months, which is another key indicator of progress!

Although progress has been made, more needs to be done. Hypoxia still persists in summer months, toxic algae blooms are found in harbors and bays, nitrogen from antiquated septic systems are polluting the Sound, and polluted stormwater runoff continues to contaminate the Sound and close beaches.

LIS Funding is in Jeopardy
The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023, putting future funding for critical programs to protect and restore the Sound in limbo. Reauthorization of the LIS Restoration & Stewardship Act is needed to provide adequate funding to continue programs needed to protect public health, our local economy, and quality of life.       

The U.S. House recently voted with strong bipartisan support to reauthorize the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act as part of the American Water Stewardship Act. This would reauthorize the program at $65 million annually through 2031. Now the U.S. Senate must pass this legislation immediately and fully fund the LIS program! 

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

LIPA, Suffolk County partner on industrial solar analysis

SOURCE:

https://www.amityvillerecord.com/articles/lipa-suffolk-county-partner-on-industrial-solar-analysis/

By CAROLYN JAMES - January 22, 2206

The Long Island Power Authority and Suffolk County have launched a new partnership to evaluate large-scale solar energy opportunities across major industrial areas in the county.

One study is to evaluate different business models, including traditional behind-the-meter systems and front-of-the-meter models where rooftop space is leased to developers, and to identify which structures best balance benefits for property owners, businesses, and the broader grid.

The project, announced Jan. 14 by LIPA CEO Carrie Meek Gallagher and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, will analyze rooftop solar potential, grid capacity, and permitting processes in key commercial zones. A consultant will be selected through a newly developed Request for Qualifications process.

Target areas include the Long Island Innovation Park at Hauppauge, Route 110 Corridor, Heartland Business Center in Brentwood, MacArthur Business Park, Brookhaven Rail Terminal, and Wyandanch.

The analysis will use geospatial and engineering data. The plan is reach out to municipalities, property owners and industrial associations to identify regulatory barriers.

For property owners and tenants, benefits can include:

•Lower electricity costs if the solar serves on-site load behind the meter.

•Lease revenue if a property owner leases rooftop space to a solar developer.

•Increased property value and marketability from hosting clean energy infrastructure.

•Potential participation in programs that recognize the system value of solar in constrained areas.

For the electric system and customers more broadly:

•Reduced peak demand and stress on local infrastructure.

•Improved reliability in constrained or high-load areas.

•Potential long-term cost avoidance by deferring or reducing the need for grid upgrades.

“We have the largest industrial parks east of the Mississippi; the second largest in the United States,” Romaine said as he discussed the benefit of solar energy at a recent Long Island Association breakfast. “That’s a lot of flat rooftops that can be used to collect solar energy, so we want to provide incentives.”

He added that the collaboration with LIPA “will help unlock the potential of our industrial areas to support clean energy, reduce business costs, and create a more resilient energy future.” 

The Request for Proposals was issued January 16 with final proposals due February 6. A LIPA spokesman said the award is expected to be made around mid March. 

Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said he has spoken to the county and LIPA about the plan which, would include businesses in Wyandanch, primarily along Wyandanch Avenue between Straight Path and Belmont Avenue.

“Solar residents have been very happy with the success of having solar panels on their homes and it has not only saved them money but also provided additional energy for the grid,” said Schaffer. “I believe our local businesses would also save money with these solar leases and also help provide the additional energy we need here on Long Island. now and into the future.”

Environmental and clean energy groups praised the effort.

“Industrial rooftops are among New York’s most underused solar opportunities,” said Noah Ginsburg of NYSEIA. Julie Tighe of the New York League of Conservation Voters called it a “scalable, cost-effective model” for development. Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment said the effort could help reduce reliance on aging power plants.