Citizens Campaign for the Environment Executive Director Adrienne Esposito discusses concerns related to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
NY lawmakers push to lower drinking water PFAS limits to 4 parts per trillion
Environmental groups and state lawmakers are urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation that would lower New York’s allowable PFAS levels in drinking water from 10 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion.
A bill aimed at strengthening drinking water protections in New York is now awaiting action from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
In Calverton, Schumer calls on Navy to expedite remediation of toxic Grumman weapons plant plume
Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and local officials are calling on the U.S. Navy to expedite cleanup efforts at a former development site and of a toxic groundwater plume that is inching toward the Peconic Bay.
Schumer appeared in Calverton Thursday to call on the U.S. Navy to resume testing of the plume at Enterprise Park after the Navy pushed back a deadline 10 years to 2039, to conclude its assessment and come up with a plan to clean up contaminants from the former Grumman weapons plant.
That’s Your Water
A Manhattan law firm, with an East End connection, is planning PFAS litigation
“We represent over 2,000 individuals from Nassau and Suffolk counties who have developed four types of cancer — liver, kidney, thyroid and testicular cancers — and also ulcerative colitis, in litigation involving PFAS,” said Jeffrey Guzman, a founding member of a law firm based on Wall Street in Manhattan, Krentsel Guzman Herbert.
New leader takes helm of Long Island Sound Partnership
The Environmental Protection Agency has named Nicole “Nikki” Tachiki as the new director of the Long Island Sound Partnership, placing a longtime agency scientist and program planner at the helm of a regional effort focused on improving the health of the Long Island Sound and the communities that surround it.
NY federal judge strikes down state law that would have made fossil fuel companies pay $75 billion for climate change effects
A federal judge struck down New York’s plan to force fossil fuel companies to pay it $75 billion to offset climate change impacts they caused.
An upstate federal judge ruled that a New York law that would have forced major fossil fuel companies to foot the bill for infrastructure upgrades necessary to withstand the impacts of climate change is unconstitutional, saying the state overstepped its authority by passing it.
EPA scientist Nicole Tachiki lauded as new head of Long Island Sound Partnership
A life scientist with the Environmental Protection Agency is the new leader of an interagency program created to improve the health of Long Island Sound.
Nicole Tachiki, named acting director of the EPA's Long Island Sound office in 2025, is now in charge of Long Island Sound Partnership, which began in 1985 as the Long Island Sound Study — an EPA-run effort in collaboration with New York and Connecticut aimed at cleaning up the Sound.
Old Grist Mill home's owners hope it stays a piece of Smithtown history
At the head of the Nissequogue River in Head of the River, a home nestled within rolling green pastures that was once a grist mill dating back to the 1700s still stands. But the family that has served as its steward for four generations is seeking to pass it on to preserve it.
As she sat with other family members in the wood shingle-covered home on Mill Dam Road, Molly Micciche said she could tell the exact times when the low and high tide for the Nissequogue River occurred. Micciche, 81, is one of the four children of Herbert G. Luther, who converted the centuries-old mill into a home in the 1950s.
Highlights and Happenings: September 2026
Help CCE build on our success! Please support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT.
Make a contribution today.
Highlights
Celebrating our Annual Gala
We celebrated our 41st year of working to protect our environment and public health with over 400 hundred of our friends and colleagues at our annual gala. Thank you so much to everyone who came out and made the night a big success. This year, we honored Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for his dedication to improving water quality and advancing renewable energy. Special thanks to our speakers, Commissioner Amanda Lefton from the NYS DEC and Doreen Harris, President and CEO of NYSERDA.
U.S. Senate Passes Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Reauthorization!
In late September, the U.S. Senate voted to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) for four more years at $475 million annually. The GLRI has been wildly successful to date, investing over $576 million in on over 1,371 projects in New York State, including projects to clean up the Buffalo River and Rochester Embayment, fight invasive species, prevent harmful algal blooms, and much more. Earlier this year, the U.S. House voted to reauthorize the GLRI for five years. We will be pushing the House and Senate to secure agreement on a final matching bill before the end of the year.
Bill Passed to Protect NY’s Drinking Water from PFAS—Now we Need the Governor’s Signature!
In June, the NYS Assembly and Senate passed legislation to further limit PFAS in our drinking water. While the EPA is working to roll back and delay federal PFAS standards, New York is moving forward with stronger, science-based measures to protect millions of New Yorkers from these toxic "forever chemicals." Now, we need Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law. She has until the end of the year, but the sooner the Governor signs the bill the more protected New Yorkers will be. Email Governor Hochul and urge her to sign legislation to implement stronger drinking water standards for toxic PFAS “forever chemicals”!
Happenings
Cleaning up the Calverton Plume
In September, we joined U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer at a press conference calling on the U.S. Navy to take immediate action to address the contamination from the Calverton plume. For decades, Long Island communities have been waiting for them to take urgent action. Every delay has allowed this problem to grow, which will make clean-up efforts more expensive. We are calling on the Navy to accept the science, take accountability, provide greater transparency, and deliver a real clean up plan. It’s been 30 years too long. Long Islanders need this contamination cleaned up now!
Presenting at the Great Lakes National Conference
We traveled to Detroit to attend the Healing Our Waters Great Lakes Conference in September. CCE’s Brian Smith joined our partners at Environmental Advocates NY and Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper to present at the conference on our successful advocacy related to New York’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act, which has invested a nation-leading $6.5 billion in protecting NY’s water from its source to our taps!
Talking Environmental Protection with the Attorney General
We had the pleasure of joining NYS Attorney General Letitia James’ Environmental Roundtable last month on Long Island. It was an honor to join with environmental leaders and legislators to discuss important actions and opportunities to protect our local community. We had a productive discussion and thank the AG for her continued efforts to defend our environment and public health throughout NY.
Protecting Endangered Species
We were happy to host the Endangered Species Coalition at our office on Long Island for a robust discussion of endangered species protection. We strategized with local and national experts on policies to help these critical species thrive. Thank you to the diverse range of groups that attended and made it a successful event.
Upcoming: South Shore Estuary Reserve Plastic Pollution Conference
We are joining our partners at Operation SPLASH and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society to host the first South Shore Estuary Reserve Conference focused on challenges and solutions to plastic pollution. This FREE conference will feature the latest science, policy experts, and community leaders who are working on the front lines addressing this problem. Join us on Wednesday, October 28 from 9:30 am – 1:00 pm at The Mansion at West Sayville to get the latest science and find out what we can do to solve the plastic pollution crisis harming our South Shore. Register Here.
Event Alert: Plastic Pollution to Practical Solutions Conference on October 28th
Image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/adege-4994132/?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3552363">Andreas</a> from <a href="https://pixabay.com//?utm_source=link-attribution&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=image&utm_content=3552363">Pixabay</a>
Join us to fight plastic pollution and marine debris in the
South Shore Estuary Reserve
There is too much plastic in our bays. Together, we can do something about it!
Join us for the first South Shore Estuary Reserve Conference focused on challenges and solutions to plastic pollution and other forms of marine debris. This FREE conference will feature the latest science, policy experts, and community leaders who are working on the front lines addressing this problem.
Plastic pollution and marine debris such as bottle caps, bottles, plastic bags, cigarettes, food wrappers, and more do not break down in the environment. Instead, they break apart into smaller and smaller pieces, accumulating on our beaches and in our harbors and bays, poisoning wildlife and polluting marine ecosystems. Unfortunately, these items are too commonly found in our South Shore beaches, parks, marshes, and bays.
Where is all this marine debris coming from? We have the answers. Learn what we can do to solve the plastic pollution crisis harming our South Shore.
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 9:30am - 1:00pm
Location: The Mansion at West Sayville, 200 Main St, West Sayville, NY 11796
Space is limited, please Register Here.
Thank you for joining us!
All of Us at CCE
Suffolk's ambitious plan to replace septic systems is behind schedule, upping calls for mandates
New Whale Awareness Measures Passed
Gov. Kathy Hochul visited the Montauk Lighthouse over the weekend to sign new protections for whales into law.
Called the Whale Awareness Act, the legislation is centered on education and integrates marine mammal protection into both New York State boater safety courses and the vessel registration process.
Riverhead weighs code changes after groundwater contamination near East Hampton BESS fire
Key Points
Riverhead is working on draft revisions to its battery energy storage code.
The discussion follows PFAS detections in public water wells near the 2023 East Hampton BESS fire site.
SCWA says PFPrA was detected in water that migrated from the fire; state officials say the source remains under investigation.
Rothwell opposes a moratorium but wants runoff containment and removal of utility-scale BESS from Residence A-80 zoning.
Several Suffolk towns have adopted or extended BESS moratoria while reviewing local rules.
Report: New York has a solid waste management problem
The state of New York has a solid waste problem. At least when it comes to tracking it.
This is according to a new audit from the New York State Comptroller’s Office.
Auditors found the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) “lacks reliable information on how much material is recycled across the state.”
Trump administration buys back NY offshore wind leases
The Trump administration is buying back New York offshore wind leases as it moves forward with plans to expand the use of fossil fuels.
The company RWE U.S. Offshore is receiving more than $1 billion to give up its leases to build wind farms off the coasts of New York, California and Louisiana. It is one of several deals the federal government made with renewable energy companies to get them to invest in fossil fuels instead.
Hochul’s green glow up
Highlights and Happenings: August 2026
Help CCE build on our success! Please support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT.
Make a contribution today.
Highlights
Bill Passed to Protect NY’s Drinking Water from PFAS—Now we Need the Governor’s Signature!
In June, the NYS Assembly and Senate passed legislation to further limit PFAS in our drinking water. While the EPA is working to roll back and delay implementing their federal PFAS standards, New York is moving forward with stronger, science-based measures to protect millions of New Yorkers from these toxic "forever chemicals." A huge thank you to Assemblywoman Grace Lee and Senator Brian Kavanagh for championing this crucial legislation. Now, we need Governor Hochul to sign the bill into law. She has until the end of the year, but the sooner the Governor signs the bill the more protected New Yorkers will be.
Victory! Governor Hochul Signs Whale Awareness Act into Law
In August, we joined Governor Hochul as she signed the Whale Awareness Act into law, marking an important step forward to protecting these important mammals! An increase in whale sightings has coincided with increased vessel strikes of large whales, increasing the need for boaters and vessel operators to understand how to safely share these waters with marine wildlife. This bill directs the NY Department of Environmental Conservation to develop and distribute recommendations and educational materials to help reduce dangerous interactions between vessels and marine mammals. Thank you to Assemblywoman Kassay and Senator Harckham for championing this legislation!
Data Center Moratorium Passed in the Town of Tonawanda!
While Governor Hochul has signed an executive order to adopt a one-year moratorium on hyperscale data centers in New York State, we continue to support local governments that are taking additional actions to protect their communities from the impacts of data centers. CCE’s Brian Smith testified at a public hearing on the Town of Tonawanda’s moratorium on data centers over 20MW (the state moratorium is for 50MW and up). A developer has previously proposed to build a $2 billion, 300MW data center at the former Tonawanda Coke site in Tonawanda. The Town unanimously passed the moratorium, and plans to develop strong zoning regulations for future data center proposals.
Happenings
Protecting Long Island Sound
We had the opportunity to participate in a roundtable with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, EPA regional leaders, Congressman Nick LaLota, and other partners on how to protect and restore Long Island Sound. We had a great discussion about the tremendous success of the bi-state Long Island Sound Partnership, including rain gardens, the LIS HS Sound Summit, and many other water quality and educational programs, as well as what we still need to do to protect this Estuary of National Significance. We were also thrilled to join a press conference announcing Nikki Tachiki as the next Director of the Long Island Sound (LIS) Partnership!
Fighting to Protect Endangered Whales
A new federal bill would delay protection for additional seven years for the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale, shielding northeast commercial fisheries from new regulations at the expense of whales. Spearheaded by Representatives Lawler (R-NY) and Golden (D-ME), the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act (H.R. 9436) allows another delay of critical new commercial fishing gear regulations for lobster and Jonah crab fisheries from going into effect until the end of 2035, extending an existing moratorium that expires at the end of 2028. In August, we released new polling showing 63% want Congress to act now to protect whales and have strong support within Congressman Mike Lawler’s district (45% oppose his anti-whale bill vs. 21% support). We fought to prevent this bill and protect whales from fishing gear. Read the press release here. Unfortunately, the bill passed the House and we will now work to stop the bill in the U.S. Senate.
Reducing Sewage in our Waterways
Last month we joined the NYS Environmental Facilities Corporation, Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine, and our environmental partners for a press conference announcing increased funding for clean water. This increase in funding through the Clean Vessel Assistance Program will help install, upgrade, and maintain boat sewage pump-out stations to keep wastewater out of our waterways, protecting water quality, marine habitats and fisheries.
Save the Date for Our Annual Gala
Join us October 1st at the Piermont in Babylon to celebrate 41 years of grassroots advocacy and a future worth fighting for! This year we will be honoring Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine for his dedication to improving water quality and advancing renewable energy in Suffolk County. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here.
Congressman Lawler Advances Measures that threaten Endangered North Atlantic Right Whales
Environmentalists Release New Poll Results that Demonstrate Public’s
Support for Protecting Whales
Congress Needs to Vote NO on HR. 9436
For immediate release: Monday, August 31, 2026
For more information, contact:
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, 631-384-1378, aesposito@citizenscampaign.org
Farmingdale, NY—New York waters are home to several whale species; Humpbacks, Fin, Minke, and the endangered North Atlantic Right Whales. The endangered Right Whale has less than 400 individuals remaining and only approximately 70 breeding females. In 2024, scientists from the New England Aquarium recorded 82 Right whales – including 56 in one day – just forty miles south of New York’s coastline. This represents nearly a quarter of the total population.
Federal policies are in place to protect Right Whales; however, Congressman Lawler is spearheading legislation to delay new protections that are essential for survival of the species. H.R. 9436, the Northeast Lobsterman Protection Act of 2026, is expected to go to the House floor for a vote any day. Led by Representatives Lawler (R-NY) and Golden (D-ME), the bill allows another delay of critical new commercial fishing gear regulations for lobster and Jonah crab fisheries from going into effect until the end of 2035, extending an existing moratorium that expires at the end of 2028. This would once again delay protection for the critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale for seven additional years, shielding northeast commercial fisheries from new regulations at the expense of whales.
The science is undisputed: accidental entanglement by vertical fishing lines is one of the primary causes of injury and death for whales. Eighty-six percent of living Right Whales carry scars from past entanglements. Ropeless gear is a new fishing method that is already being used several fisheries to protect whales without restricting access to fishing grounds. Fisherman who voluntarily adopt it can gain access to areas that are seasonally closed to traditional gear at high-risk times for whales. New regulations are needed to advance the use of ropeless gear in the Northeast, making a meaningful difference to Right Whales and the several other whale species that frequent New York waters including Humpback, Fin, Mienke, and Sperm Whales.
According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society in Massachusetts there have been entanglement reports of 10 large whales between June and August of 2026. This included 7 Humpback, 2 Minke and 1 Fin Whale. They were entangled in gear confirmed as Trap Pot or line consistent with rope used in Trap Pot fisheries.
“Whales are one of our planets most majestic and loved creatures. We may lose the endangered Right Whale forever if we don’t implement important protection measures. A new poll demonstrates that in Congressman Lawler’s district, public support is high for protecting whales. Over 60% of his constituents support Congressional action to protect Right Whales. Yet, Congressman Lawler is working to undo protective policies that would prevent tragic whale deaths. We are calling on Congress to do the right thing and vote no on this devasting bill,” stated Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
“At AMSEAS, when we respond to a stranded or injured animal on our beaches, we see the end of a story that began in the ocean. Across our 2017–2025 whale stranding records in the New York Bight, approximately 42% of cases documented human interaction, including vessel strike, entanglement, and interactions with marine debris and fishing gear, during the examination. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and reducing the human-caused threats facing whales in the waters we share.
As North Atlantic right whales are increasingly documented in our waters, every sighting is cause for hope—and a reminder of our responsibility. We cannot welcome these whales’ home and then fail to protect them,” stated Robert A. DiGiovanni, Jr., Executive Director, Atlantic Marine Conservation Society (AMSEAS)
A new poll, conducted by Public Policy Polling and commissioned by Citizens Campaign for the Environment, shows strong support for protecting the Right Whales within Congressman Mike Lawler’s district. By nearly 2-to-1, NY-17 voters oppose Lawler’s anti-whale bill (45% oppose vs. 21% support), and the gap widens once they hear it locks in until 2036. Sixty-three percent want Congress to act now to protect whales, just 11% are satisfied with waiting seven more years. Nearly four times as many constituents say his stance makes them think less of him than more (38% to 11%). "North Atlantic right whales are our most vulnerable neighbors. This bill goes against what we know: people care about whales, and delays on whale-safe fishing gear regulations are pushing them closer to extinction . These animals need a lifeline, and we can’t wait any longer to give them a fighting chance. Right whales used to be one of the most common coastal whale species in New York, and their decline in our waters, including from entanglement in fishing gear, is on human hands. We must do what we can to advance protections for these animals from ongoing threats to ensure that they can have a future here," stated Chris St Lawerence, Director of Communications, Gotham Whale.
“A healthy economy is linked to healthy waters. We have technology for lobsterman to transition from harmful vertical fishing lines and other management tools to reduce the risk of entanglements. We can do both--protect whales and our lobstermen. Delaying effective policies is not the answer and will make the situation more serious in the long run. We are calling on all our congressional leaders to stand up to SAVE our WHALES,” stated Esposito.
As a tidal estuary, the Hudson River and the Atlantic Ocean are intimately connected. The Right Whale has been severely impacted by entanglements, reducing their populations. We strongly oppose Congressman Lawler's legislation to handcuff NOAA from issuing protective regulations to help save the remaining North Atlantic Right Whales. We join our colleagues in urging members of Congress to vote 'no' and strongly urge Congressman Lawler to withdraw this bill that could have devastating impacts on one of the nation's most beloved animals," Stated Tracy Brown, President, Riverkeeper.
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