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Powering the Future: Stony Brook Hosts Second Energy & Infrastructure Open House

Powering the Future: Stony Brook Hosts Second Energy & Infrastructure Open House

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 flowing into Nissequogue River after contractor struck an underground spring in Smithtown

Discolored water flowing into Nissequogue River after contractor struck an underground spring in Smithtown

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.

Young sea turtle Elton released at Coney Island, a beacon of hope for conservation

Young sea turtle Elton released at Coney Island, a beacon of hope for conservation

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.

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton Helps Release Rescued Endangered Sea Turtle Back into Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island

DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton Helps Release Rescued Endangered Sea Turtle Back into Atlantic Ocean at Coney Island

Event highlights the ocean health benefits of the New York State Environmental Protection Fund.

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.

Rescued Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Elton makes splashy return to ocean off Coney Island

Rescued Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Elton makes splashy return to ocean off Coney Island

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. 

Navy set to open treatment plant in September to contain Grumman plume

Navy set to open treatment plant in September to contain Grumman plume

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.

Cheese manufacturer polluted water for months before Ischua Creek die-off

Cheese manufacturer polluted water for months before Ischua Creek die-off

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.

EPA policy shift plan will have detrimental consequences for climate and public health, LI advocates say

EPA policy shift plan will have detrimental consequences for climate and public health, LI advocates say

 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. 

The EPA’s Repeal of Core Greenhouse Gas Rules

The EPA’s Repeal of Core Greenhouse Gas Rules

“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.”

EPA to repeal all greenhouse gas vehicle emissions standards, rescind scientific finding that planet-warming gases endanger public health

EPA to repeal all greenhouse gas vehicle emissions standards, rescind scientific finding that planet-warming gases endanger public health

Following through on a pledge made in March, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin announced Tuesday that the EPA is proposing to repeal all greenhouse gas emissions standards for light-duty, medium-duty, and heavy-duty vehicles and engines. 

Down the Drain and Into the Aquifer: Long Island’s Septic Systems Just Got a Major Upgrade

Down the Drain and Into the Aquifer: Long Island’s Septic Systems Just Got a Major Upgrade

You flush and forget about it. But what goes down doesn’t just disappear. On Long Island, where it ends up has been a problem for decades. Outdated septic systems and cesspools leak pollutants into the groundwater. As a result, these aging systems pose serious threats to drinking water, the environment, public health, and the local economy. It’s been a long fight for change, but on July 23rd, Suffolk County took a huge step toward cleaner water.

Residents, environmental groups clash during Propel NY transmission line hearings

Residents, environmental groups clash during Propel NY transmission line hearings

Some residents along the path of a new proposed transmission line that would cross Long Island and Queens have found themselves in opposition to environmental groups, electrical and construction unions and developers of the project designed to upgrade the state’s energy grid.

Zeldin's Sound commitment to environmental advocacy group

Zeldin's Sound commitment to environmental advocacy group

As the Environmental Protection Agency lays the groundwork to potentially end its own ability to regulate greenhouse gas emissions, a delegation from the advocacy group Long Island Sound Citizens Advisory Committee went to Washington last week to meet with someone they knew well: EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The agenda: ensure consistent protection for Long Island Sound amid harsh federal funding cuts.

Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk homeowners to get more money back to replace outdated septic system under new provision

Suffolk County homeowners will soon be able to upgrade to enhanced septic systems that reduce dangerous nitrogen pollution at a higher discounted rate, thanks to a surge of state funding announced Wednesday.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill Wednesday morning at Suffolk County Community College in Brentwood that increases the reimbursement rate for installation of an enhanced septic system to 75%, or up to $25,000. The governor also announced Suffolk County will receive $20 million in new grant funding it can use toward its Septic Improvement Program that provides homeowners $10,000 grants for the upgrade.

State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County

State expands septic grant program, increases funding for Suffolk County

New York State is increasing funding for grants that Suffolk County residents can use to replace outdated septic and cesspool systems with newer, advanced systems that reduce the contaminants wastewater releases into the environment.

Gov. Hochul signs bill providing grants to New Yorkers for new septic systems

Gov. Hochul signs bill providing grants to New Yorkers for new septic systems

The goal is to make new and improved septic systems affordable to the public.

Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a new septic bill that would provide a $25,000 grant to people with old and polluting cesspools.

Governor Hochul Announces $30 Million and Signs Legislation to Make it More Affordable to Protect Water Quality from Failing Septic Systems

Governor Hochul Announces $30 Million and Signs Legislation to Make it More Affordable to Protect Water Quality from Failing Septic Systems

Legislation S8241-A/A8807 Makes It Easier and More Cost-Effective for New Yorkers to Upgrade to Advanced Septic Systems That Significantly Reduce Water Pollution

State Septic System Replacement Program Targets Priority Geographic Areas Like Long Island Which Rely on Sole-Source Aquifers

Funding Incentivizes Replacement of Old Septic and Cesspool Systems to Prevent Water Pollution

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, on Long Island, criticizes proposed National Estuary Program budget cuts

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, on Long Island, criticizes proposed National Estuary Program budget cuts

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand was on Long Island Monday to harshly criticize the proposed $8 million in funding cuts in President Donald Trump’s 2026 budget for the National Estuary Program, which supports clean water initiatives, including those on the Island.