Suffolk County lawmakers on Tuesday moved a step closer to allowing residents to vote in a November referendum on a proposed 0.125% sales tax increase to fund a sweeping expansion of sewers and high-tech septic systems throughout the county.
Governor signs change to law authorizing Suffolk sales tax hike, teeing up November vote
An amendment to the law that allows Suffolk County to increase its sales tax rate by 1/8 of a cent to finance the installation of sewer and advanced septic systems was signed into law today by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
The governor’s signature on the amendment, negotiated by state and county lawmakers, sets the stage for the county to put a referendum on ballot in this year’s general election seeking voter approval of the sales tax increase.
Governor Hochul Signs Legislation to Protect Public Health, Improve Water Quality in Suffolk County
Legislation S.8473/A.8993 Amends the Suffolk Water Quality Restoration Act
Advances Ballot Referendum to Fund Long Term Investments in Clean Water for Suffolk County
Governor Kathy Hochul today signed the Suffolk Water Quality Restoration Act to protect public health and improve water quality. Legislation S.8473/A.8993 will allow Suffolk County to put forward a ballot referendum that would fund long term investments in clean water systems and technology – revitalizing wastewater infrastructure for the residents of Suffolk County.
Hempstead drinking water said to contain high levels of cancer-causing chemicals
Legislators, Advocates Urge Albany to Take Action to Protect Against PFAS Exposure
ALBANY, NY (May 15, 2024) — Today state legislators and advocates called for the immediate passage of a set of bills to reduce human exposure to per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and limit environmental contamination from PFAS in New York, including:
a bill to eliminate PFAS in key consumer and household products (A3556C/S5648C),
a bill to eliminate PFAS and other toxic chemicals in personal care and cosmetic products (A6969/S4265),
a bill to eliminate PFAS and other toxic products in menstrual products (A5990/S3529),
and a bill to require testing for the presence of PFAS released into waterways (A3296A/S227B).
We need to have the best water possible
All Long Islanders agree about the need for clean water [“Clean-water funding is crucial in state budget,” Opinion, March 24]. Nitrogen pollution from sewage is causing water quality impairments, fish kills and harmful algal blooms. Contaminants poses a significant threat to our drinking water and health. The good news is that we know how to solve these problems, but we need money.
New EPA limits on PFAS 'forever chemicals' set stricter standards for Long Island drinking water
EPA announces strict federal drinking water standard for PFAS contamination
Highlights
· The final rule announced today by the EPA is stricter than the proposed rule published last year and stricter than the standard adopted by New York State in 2020.
· PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” are harmful substances linked to deadly cancers and other health impacts. They are prevalent in the environment from many sources.
· The federal agency also announced nearly $1 billion in newly available funding through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help communities comply with the rule.
· Public water suppliers will have five years to comply with the rule if they detect PFAS in their systems.
What to know about the EPA's new limits on "forever chemicals" in drinking water
Statements In Support Of The 2024 Senate Majority One-House Budget Proposal
Another Voice: New York has much more work to do to protect clean water
Under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership, New York has been a national leader in funding the protection of clean water, but now is not the time to rest on our laurels. Given the massive clean water needs that exist throughout New York, it’s perplexing that the governor proposed to slash clean water funding by 50%, from $500 million down to $250 million, in this year’s budget.
Frontier-era delay at campground
More than 100 Manorville homes complete hookup to public water after some wells show PFAS contamination
'I don't have to worry about filters'
Karen Notaro can now drink water from the faucets of her Manorville home without worry.
Notaro had turned to filters and bottled water because her home’s private well had tested positive for PFAS, chemicals the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has said are potentially carcinogenic.
Long Island Unites in Albany: A Robust Call for State Investment and Support
Long Island coalition lobbies state officials in push for funding
Gillibrand introduces bipartisan legislation to extend Great Lakes’ protections
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and members of the Great Lakes Task Force today introduced the bipartisan Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act of 2024, which extends this critical program for another five years through 2031, and increases annual funding levels from $475 million in 2026 to $500 million from 2027 through 2031.
Palumbo hosts roundtable meeting in Riverhead to discuss environmental issues
Huizenga, Dingell, Joyce, and Kaptur Introduce Legislation to Reauthorize Key Great Lakes Funding Program
Today, U.S. Representatives Bill Huizenga (R-MI), Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Dave Joyce (R-OH), Marcy Kaptur (D-OH) and members of the bipartisan Great Lakes Task Force introduced the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) Act of 2024. The bipartisan bill will reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which is set to expire at the end of FY 2026, for another five years through FY 2031. The bill increases the current authorization level from $475 million to $500 million in FY 2026.
Voters to Decide on Clean Water Referendum in November
HAUPPAUGE, NY— Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine and Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey were joined today by environmental and labor leaders at a press conference announcing an historic deal that will transform water protection in Suffolk County and pave the way for clean water for future generations.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES DESCEND:
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES DESCEND: Environmental groups held a forum on cleaning up fuels in the transportation sector, pushed back on Hochul’s proposed cut for water infrastructure funding and advocated for lawmakers to include a Superfund-style program targeting fossil fuel companies.
