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By Nicholas Esposito - September 23, 2019
New York lawmakers are aiming to improve water quality across the state with a new task force.
The initiative, named Assembly Minority Task Force on Water Quality, was formed to “address critical issues impacting our public water supply systems including, but not limited to, aging infrastructure and emerging contaminants,” according a spokesperson.
Spearheaded by state Assemblyman Mike LiPetri (R-Massapequa), the effort was announced last week at a press conference on Long Island at the Massapequa Preserve.
“Just recently, we have seen the devastation that neglect can have on a community,” said LiPetri. “From Flint, Michigan to Newark, New Jersey, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to upholding the highest standards of water quality and take the appropriate steps to ensure similar incidents do not happen here at home. Our residents deserve nothing less.”
The task force will hold six hearings around the state in the upcoming months, hearing feedback from elected officials, advocacy groups, and the public.
There will be hearings in both Nassau and Suffolk counties.
At the press conference, there was a mix of luminaries supporting the initiative.
“Even in this day and age when we are very divisive in our political thinking, we are united in our need and our desire for clean water,” said Adrienne Esposito, the executive director of the Citizens Campaign for our Environment advocacy group, told Newsday.
Officials say the forum dates will be announced soon. Check back at GreaterBabylon to learn more the meetings.