Support New York’s First Offshore Wind Farm

Tell the NY Public Service Commission to Approve the Cable Connection from the South Fork Wind Farm to the Town of East Hampton

New York is poised to be a global leader in the fight against climate change, but we cannot get there without embracing offshore wind. On the South Fork of Long Island, a projected increase in energy demand necessitates either an offshore wind farm or new fossil fuel power plant. LIPA’s approval of the South Fork Wind Farm allows for the increased energy demand to be achieved with renewable energy and not with a new fossil fuel power station. This project will bring 130MW of renewable energy to Long Island.

However, the fight isn’t over. We need New York to approve a cable connection carrying energy from the offshore turbines to an electrical substation in Town of East Hampton. Dozens of studies are already completed to ensure the project is responsibly developed, mitigates potential impacts on wildlife, and protects the coastline. Now it’s time to act.

Submit public comment to the Public Service Commission today. Urge NY to ensure the South Fork Wind Farm cable connection moves forward quickly so it can provide reliable, clean power to Long Island.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Say “NO” to Killingly

Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay

Tell Governor Lamont: No More Dirty Fossil Fuel Plants in Connecticut!

In order to create jobs, protect public health, and fight climate change, Connecticut has set a goal of achieving 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. Despite this important goal, CT is poised to approve permits for a new 650 megawatt fracked-gas power plant in Killingly, CT, which would shackle our state to dirty fossil fuels for decades to come. 

The Killingly fracked-gas plant would increase harmful air emissions and water pollution in Connecticut, which already suffers from some of the worst air quality in New England. Additionally, the plant would require 2.4 miles of new gas pipeline, which would be constructed through critical wildlife habitat and open space.

Energy economists agree that new fossil fuel power plants and pipelines are not needed to meet our future energy needs. We need Connecticut to honor its commitments to clean energy and say NO to dirty, expensive fossil fuel infrastructure.

 A new fossil fuel burning power plant in Connecticut would delay progress on meeting our renewable energy goals and increase greenhouse gas emissions, which impacts public health and contributes to climate change. It’s time to tell Governor Lamont to say NO to Killingly and say YES to clean, renewable energy!

Contact Governor Lamont today and urge him to say “NO” to Killingly gas plant!

• Click the link to access the online form to e-mail Governor Lamont

• Copy & paste (or personalize) the message below into the “comment” field

• Fill out your contact information in the required fields

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(Begin sample email message)

Dear Governor Lamont:

I am writing today to voice my strong opposition to the proposed Killingly gas plant being considered by your administration.

Killingly Energy Center would further delay Connecticut’s progress on meeting our clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals. Additionally, it would lead to a measurable increase in harmful air emissions and water pollution in Connecticut, which already suffers from some of the worst air quality in New England.

Finally, the 2.4 miles of new gas pipeline needed to operate the plant would be constructed through critical wildlife habitat and open space. This area supports a variety of threatened and endangered species, including the endangered northern long-eared owl, the endangered wood turtle, and the eastern box turtle. Killingly Energy Center would not only prolong our state’s dependence on dirty fossil fuel infrastructure, it could also have lasting impacts on endangered wildlife and open space in our state.

(End sample email message)

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Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Concerned About Climate Change?

Join us on October 13th at 7pm for a Virtual Climate Change Discussion with Candidates for NY Congressional Districts 1 & 2 

This is the only environmental forum in these districts! 

Long Island is on the frontlines of climate change. Our next Congressional representatives from NY-01 and NY-02 will have a crucial role to play in ensuring protections for our coastal communities, local economy, and our environment.

Join Citizens Campaign for the Environment, the New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund, and Students for Climate Action for a free virtual Town Hall on Climate Change for NY Congressional Districts 1 & 2. 

The forum will feature 1st Congressional District candidates Congressman Lee Zeldin and Dr. Nancy Goroff, and 2nd Congressional District candidates Jackie Gordon and Assemblyman Andrew Garbarino. Following interviews with the candidates, we will be hosting a panel discussion with environmental experts to address climate change impacts on Long Island.

This virtual event will be held on Tuesday, October 13th from 7:00pm-8:30pm. Please register today to receive the Zoom link to view the event. The link will be sent via email prior to the event.

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
Your Friends at CCE

Protect New York’s Drinking Water and Public Health

SOURCE: NTP

Ban the Toxic Chemical TCE in Manufacturing!

Legislation to ban TCE in New York State has been passed by the NYS legislature.  To protect our drinking water and public health from this harmful chemical, Governor Cuomo must sign this important bill into law when it is delivered to his desk!  Email Governor Cuomo today.

Background

TCE (trichloroethylene) is an industrial cleaning and degreasing agent used in manufacturing. This chemical is slow to degrade, making it a persistent contaminant in our groundwater. The EPA lists TCE as one of the most widespread groundwater contaminants in our nation and it is an existing and ongoing threat to New York’s water quality and public health. Across New York, communities are suffering the consequences of TCE contamination from industrial use. Groundwater, drinking water wells, and soil have all been contaminated. New York needs to ban this toxic contaminant in manufacturing.

TCE Exposure 

Exposure to TCE occurs through air, water, food, and soil. Long-term exposure is strongly linked to various types of cancer, including kidney, liver, lymphoma, testicular, and leukemia. The U.S.  Department of Human Health Services classifies TCE as "known to be a human carcinogen" and the EPA characterizes it as "carcinogenic in humans by all routes of exposure." Across New York, industrial use of TCE is putting the public and the environment at risk. 

TCE contamination in our groundwater and soil requires extensive remediation, some of which will take decades to complete. Areas with significant TCE contamination in New York include:

• Navy Grumman Plume in Bethpage, NY

• IBM Facility in Endicott, NY 

• Roosevelt Field in Garden City, NY (Superfund site)

• Little Valley, NY (Superfund Site)

• The Hopewell Precision Area Contamination Site in Dutchess County, NY (Superfund site)

• Fulton Ave, Garden City Park (Superfund site)

• New Cassel Industrial Area (Superfund site)

• Old Bethpage Industrial Area (Superfund site)

• Smithtown Groundwater Contamination (Superfund site)

The remediation of these sites has been ongoing for as long as 40 years. As we continue to work towards remediation of TCE contamination across New York, we cannot allow industry to continue to use this carcinogenic chemical in their manufacturing processes. Safer alternatives to TCE already exist and are being used by manufacturers across the county. An EPA study found that many manufacturers have successfully reduced the amount of TCE they use or eliminated its use entirely, all while saving money on energy, materials, and hazardous waste disposal services.

Almost a decade ago, the EPA proposed to ban TCE for several industrial uses, but the federal ban has not moved forward. Earlier this year, Minnesota became the first state to prohibit the use of TCE.  Now, New York must take action to protect public health and the environment from this carcinogen. 

Governor Cuomo Must Sign the Bill Banning Uses of TCE

The New York Senate and Assembly passed legislation (A.8829A/S.6829B) to ban most industrial uses of TCE. The bill would go into effect in December of 2021. It will prohibit the use of TCE as a vapor degreaser, refrigerant, extraction solvent, intermediate chemical, or a cleaning product for manufacturing or industrial cleaning process. Now we need Governor Cuomo to sign the bill into law. Please email Governor Cuomo and urge him to protect our drinking water and public health by signing the ban on TCE into law!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Watch a FREE Screening of Dark Waters

Join us on September 29 for a virtual discussion with Rob Bilott, the man who inspired the film

We are working with our partners to host a free viewing of the movie Dark Waters— the true story of Attorney Rob Bilott (played by Mark Ruffalo) taking a stand against Dupont to protect public health and expose the damage toxic PFAS chemicals can inflict on our communities.

Register TODAY to receive a link that will allow you to view the movie from the comfort of your own home anytime from September 25th to September 29th. Act soon because spots are limited!

Attend the Virtual Q&A with Rob Bilott

Registering also gets you access to an exclusive virtual town hall on Tuesday, September 29, from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm. The discussion will feature special guests Rob Bilott, YALE researcher Vasilis Vasiliou, Ph.D., and officials from the CT Dept. of Public Health and Dept. of Energy and Environmental Protection.   

We hope you’ll join us to learn about the health and environmental impacts of PFAS chemicals nationwide, and to find out what’s being done to address the problem in Connecticut.  

When:  Film Screening: September 25 – September 29 (anytime that works for you!)

             Virtual Town Hall Discussion: September 29, 7:00pm – 8:30pm

RSVP for this unique opportunity to view Dark Waters from your home for free and then participate in a virtual event. Don’t delay, RSVP today!

Thank you for joining us. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Support New York’s Plan to Fight Climate Change

Image by doskey12 from Pixabay

We Must Consider the Potential for Offshore Wind in the Great Lakes

New York State has proposed a plan to implement its nation-leading climate law

In 2019, New York State passed historic legislation to fight climate change—the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA) requires NYS to achieve 70% renewable energy by 2030 and 100% carbon-free electricity by 2040. The goals set forth in the CLCPA are ambitious and absolutely necessary if we are going to step up our fight against climate change.  While setting strong goals is important, goals do not have value if they are not met.  Fortunately, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently released a White Paper that provides a roadmap for the state to implement and achieve the goals set forth in the CLCPA. 

Exploring the potential for Great Lakes offshore wind power

The strong winds on the Great Lakes contain over 20% of the nation’s offshore wind potential, yet they are completely untapped. While multiple offshore wind projects are under development off New York’s Atlantic coast, there are currently no projects being considered in New York’s Great Lakes waters. As part of the White Paper, NYSERDA proposes to conduct a feasibility study to explore the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes (if the state study determines it is feasible, specific projects proposed in the future would need to undergo site-specific environmental review before moving forward). Offshore wind in the Great Lakes, which is responsibly-sited and respects the Great Lakes ecosystem, must be considered in order to fight climate change and meet state renewable energy goals. 

We need your help! Submit a comment on the White Paper today!

The Public Service Commission is accepting public comments through its online form (comment period closes August 31). Click here to take action and submit a comment to the PSC!

Express your support for a feasibility study to explore the potential for offshore wind in the Great Lakes, and please feel free use the following talking points in your comment:

• The feasibility of responsibly-sited offshore wind, which undergoes rigorous, site-specific review before construction and respects the fragile Great Lakes ecosystem, should be explored to help meet NY’s ambitious renewable energy mandate of 70% renewable energy by 2030.

• The Great Lakes contain over 20% of the nation’s offshore wind potential, yet this source of clean, renewable energy is completely untapped.

• Offshore wind in the Great Lakes can help to fight climate change.  Climate change, fueled by our dependence on fossil fuels, has detrimental impacts to the health of the Great Lakes ecosystem, including flooding in coastal communities, extreme rain events that cause dangerous sewage overflows, increased runoff that cause harmful algal blooms and a dead zone in Lake Erie, the proliferation of invasive species and adverse impacts on native fish species, and more.

• Increasing the use of offshore wind energy improves public health by reducing harmful air pollutants that contribute to heart and lung disease. Air pollution reductions from the first 2,400 MW of offshore wind in New York would be valued at roughly $1 billion and would avoid close to 100 premature deaths each year. 

• New York can lead the way on Great Lakes offshore wind, spurring much-needed job creation and economic development in Upstate New York.  An offshore wind project supports 74 different occupations, including electricians, welders, ironworkers, millwrights, carpenters, engineers, concrete finishers, scientists, and vessel operators. 

• Over 500 manufacturing facilities in the U.S. make products for the wind industry, 12 of which are in New York. With Western New York’s strong manufacturing base and history, there is potential for the manufacturing of turbine parts such as blades, towers, or the raw materials, such as steel and fiberglass, to be supplied locally.

• Compared to rural land-based wind farms, the interconnection distance from offshore wind farms to urban electricity grids is relatively short. By taking advantage of the short distance, offshore wind can lower transmission congestion and losses in Western New York and the Great Lakes region.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,

Your friends at CCE

Virtual Public Meeting on Plan to Save the Western Bays

COURTESY NASSAU COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

Please Join Important Informational Public Meeting on
Wednesday, July 15, 6:00pm - 8:00pm

The Nassau County Department of Public Works, in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, will host this virtual public meeting to discuss progress on the innovative project to reduce nitrogen pollution in the Western Bays, restore bay ecology, and strengthen storm protection. During the virtual public meeting, the project team will be available to address questions.

To access the virtual event, visit the Bay Park Conveyance Project website (the link to the virtual meeting will be available on the day of the event).

The Western Bays are home to the largest concentration of salt marshes within the South Shore Estuary Reserve (SSER), they provide critical habitat for birds and marine species, and offer abundant recreation opportunities for residents and tourists. The Bay Park Conveyance Project is a widely-supported, keystone project that will protect sensitive wetlands, restore fish populations, and dramatically improve the overall health of the bay.

The Bay Park Conveyance Project will reduce nitrogen from entering the Western Bays by over 90%. Diverting effluent to Cedar Creek STP ocean outfall will be a game changer for the Western Bays ecosystem. This critical nitrogen reduction will restore the Western Bays. There is broad based support by environmentalists, community members, businesses, and elected leaders because the project improves the health of the marine ecosystem in the Western Bays, as well as protects the health of Nassau County’s South Shore communities.

For more information, visit The Bay Park Conveyance Project website.

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Our Statement on Racial Justice

Dear Friends of CCE,

We find ourselves at a watershed moment in American history. The recent wave of protests across the U.S. has shined a light on racial injustice and a lack of government leadership in our communities. CCE stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement in calling for an end to systemic racism, and in demanding meaningful action from elected leaders and other decision-makers to promote tangible racial justice reforms in our country.

CCE recognizes that communities of color are also disproportionately impacted by pollution that threatens the public’s health and quality of life. That’s why we have made it part of our mission to fight for environmental justice issues that cut across environmental, economic and racial justice lines; to ensure equity and fairness in how we provide communities with access to clean air, clean water, and safe, non-polluting energy sources.

As we move forward, we must remember that a transition is only just if it is an equitable transition. As our nation moves forward we must strive to rebuild better, more sustainable, and more equitable than before.  As we call for our society to do better, here at CCE, we are also looking inward and recognize that we must do better to support racial justice in all aspects of our work.

We appreciate your ongoing support through this difficult time, and we applaud the growing movement of citizen activists working to create a better future for our communities.

In solidarity,
Your friends at CCE 

Join us on June 25 for a free virtual event to hear from experts about the importance of protecting our pollinators

Image by Alexas_Fotos from Pixabay 

Let’s BEE smart and learn about this critical species!

National Pollinator Week is just around the corner and we’re pollen out all the stops to protect our pollinators! Join us for a free virtual event (on Zoom) to learn about the un-BEE-lievable importance of pollinators, the threats facing our pollinators, and how you can help protect them. 

Globally, pollinator populations are declining at a startling rate and there are many factors contributing to this trend. From the widespread use of toxic pesticides to habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity, these stressors are having a detrimental effect on pollinators and putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. Join us and learn more about the decline of pollinators and the actions our panelists are taking to combat the decline!

Date: Thursday, June 25, 2020

Time:  12:00pm-1:00pm

Adrienne Esposito, CCE Executive Director, will lead a discussion with our expert panel:

• Deborah Klughers, Master Bee Keeper and owner and operator of Bonac Bees, will share her perspective as a bee expert (straight from the bee yard!);

• Daniel Gilrein, a well known Entomologist at Cornell Cooperative Extension since 1987, will discuss the science on bees and other pollinators; and  

• Dan Raichel, a staff attorney and a member of the Lands & Wildlife program for Natural Resources Defense Council who has worked for years to protect bee populations from toxic pesticides, will discuss legislative and policy solutions. 

Register for this free event today so you can hear from these experts and ask them questions! Once registered, you will receive a web link (via Zoom) that will allow you to join the discussion.

Thank you for joining us. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely, 

Your friends at CCE

Connecticut Needs a “Green” Economic Recovery

Image by 272447 from Pixabay

Tell Hartford to Invest in Clean Energy and Reject Dirty Fossil Fuels 

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused catastrophic damage to public health and our economy. Thousands of lives have been lost, unemployment has skyrocketed, and businesses across Connecticut have been forced to close their doors.

 As Connecticut “re-opens,” lawmakers have a unique opportunity to not simply return to business-as-usual; but rather, to build back stronger, healthier, and more environmentally sustainable than ever. Wise investments made now can create good-paying jobs, revitalize local economies, bolster low-income communities, and protect public health. As lawmakers get back to work, they must support a sustainable economic recovery—one that protects our health and invests in our future!

Specific Actions Lawmakers Must Take: 

1. Invest in Renewable Energy and Create Green Jobs

Clean, renewable energy—such as wind and solar—reduces harmful air pollution, combats climate change, and creates good-paying green jobs. Despite this, Connecticut continues to invest in dirty fossil fuel-burning power plants and pipeline infrastructure. This continued reliance on fossil fuels makes our air less safe to breathe, leaves us vulnerable to volatile price spikes, and fuels climate change, which devastates coastal communities and threatens public health. Lawmakers in Hartford must accelerate job creation and non-polluting energy resources by requiring 100% of our electricity to be derived through clean, renewable sources by 2050! 

2. Say No to Dirty Fossil Fuel Infrastructure

Burning fossil fuels creates toxic air pollution, which contributes to serious respiratory health problems for people across Connecticut. Fossil fuels require millions in taxpayer and ratepayer subsidies each year to remain viable—resources that would be better invested in clean, non-polluting, renewable energy. All across our region, states are taking steps to block the construction of interstate oil and gas pipelines and dirty power plants, including New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Connecticut should be a leader in the fight against climate change- and that starts with rejecting new investments in fossil fuel infrastructure.

3. Increase Offshore Wind in Connecticut

Connecticut recently made progress in advancing offshore wind, but much more work remains to be done. CT enacted a law to authorize up to 2,000 megawatts of electricity generated through offshore wind. This would provide enough clean renewable power to meet roughly one-third of the state’s total energy needs. So far, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) has approved just over 1,000 megawatts of offshore wind. Connecticut should continue to identify opportunities for offshore wind procurement, in order to meet the 2,000 megawatt target as soon as possible.

4. Fully Fund Important Energy Efficiency Programs

The cleanest, safest, and cheapest energy is energy that we don’t use. Connecticut’s Energy Efficiency Fund helps reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, creates jobs, and helps low-income households save money. Unfortunately, this fund has been raided repeatedly in recent years to fill holes in the state budget. Energy efficiency contractors have also suffered tremendous job losses as a result of the COVID-19 shutdown. Lawmakers must support this important industry by fully funding the CT Energy Efficiency Fund!

Email Connecticut’s House and Senate leadership and tell them that you support a green economic recovery for our state!

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

ENFORCE THE PLASTIC BAG BAN IN NYS

Photo by freestocks.org from Pexels

Elected leaders and New York State agencies, including the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), have worked tirelessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to protect the health and well-being of New Yorkers—we are very grateful for their continued efforts. 

This public health crisis impacted the state’s ability to enforce certain environmental laws, however; as we “re-open” our state, it is imperative that we move to enforce laws that protect our health and environment. Laws to provide clean air, clean water, and healthy communities are as important now as ever. 

In May, CCE joined with 122 organizations from across the state in calling on the DEC to do three important things:

1. Enforce the statewide plastic bag ban. While the law took effect on March 1, due to an industry lawsuit, the state extended the start date of enforcing the bag ban until at least June 15. There is no need to delay this any further—the DEC should implement the plastic bag ban as soon as possible.

2. Inform stores that they cannot prohibit people from using their own reusable bags. CCE has received numerous reports that some stores prohibit consumers from using reusable bags. Reusable bags remain an environmentally friendly, safe, and cost-effective option for the public to use when shopping at the store. Currently, there is no credible peer-reviewed scientific evidence to support the claim that reusable bags contribute to the transmission of COVID-19. Retail employees may ask consumers to pack their own groceries in reusable bags out of an abundance of caution.

3. Enforce the Bottle Bill*. Adopted in 1982, the Bottle Bill has served as one of NY’s most successful environmental laws. The five-cent deposit on beverage containers has increased recycling, reduced litter, created jobs, and saved energy and natural resources.  Like other bottle deposit states, NY relaxed enforcement to help struggling retail establishments during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The suspension was not due to public health concerns—the DEC states “there is no evidence that suggests that management of residential wastes or recyclables, including returned containers through the Bottle Bill, represents a danger to the public.” Like other bottle deposit states are doing, New York should re-start enforcement as soon as possible.

*Update: As of June 3, 2020, the New York State DEC reinstated enforcement of the Bottle Bill!  If you see covered retail establishments that are out of compliance and not taking back deposit bottles, please let the DEC know by emailing nybottle@dec.ny.gov .  

We now need members of the public to join our call for the state to take these critical steps to enforce the statewide plastic bag ban. Send a quick email to Governor Cuomo and the DEC today!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely, 
Your Friends at CCE

Protect our environment and public health—from the safety of your home!

We are all in this together, and we at CCE understand the importance of respecting social distancing during this public health crisis.  While we have had to temporarily suspend our door-to-door canvass, there are other ways we can continue to organize and keep you involved! 

1. Visit our website to stay informed and take action on important campaigns.  Sending a quick email to your representatives is an easy and effective way to ensure important environmental campaigns continue to move forward.

1. Donate online, and help support CCE’s continued work during this uncertain time.  Due to our current limitations with fundraising, this is an excellent way to keep the organization going strong!

1. Answer a call from our phone canvass organizers.  In addition to door-to-door canvassing, we call our existing membership to thank them for their support, educate them on campaigns, and get them involved in our work through donating and contacting their representatives.  We still have limited staff making these important phone calls—please answer and show your support!

Stay safe and healthy!  Thank you for your support. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Gala Postponed and New Date Confirmed

Save the Date: September 9, 2020

From all of us at CCE, we hope that you and your families continue to stay safe and healthy.  Due to the ongoing public health crisis caused by COVID-19, we have postponed our annual Environmental Equinox Awards Gala, which was originally scheduled for May 21. The event has now been rescheduled for September 9, 2020, at The Piermont in Babylon, NY. Please save the date and look for an official invitation coming your way in early summer.

 Thank you for your ongoing support during these difficult times! 

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Keep Toxic “Forever Chemicals” Out of Our Water

Lawmakers in Hartford must adopt critical measures to keep PFAS out of our water and bodies. Email elected leaders today and tell them to protect our drinking water from PFAS contamination and to ban PFAS in food packaging and firefighting foam!

What are PFAS?

Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) refers to a suite of synthetic chemicals used in many household and industrial products, including firefighting foam, food packaging, and numerous water-resistant, stain-proof, and nonstick products. Unfortunately, PFAS chemicals are a threat to human health and are being found in drinking water supplies in CT and across the nation.

An Emerging Threat to Public Health

PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in our environment and our bodies. According to the CDC, PFAS are present in the bloodstream of 98% of American adults. Research shows that PFAS chemicals contribute to thyroid problems, adverse developmental effects, higher cholesterol levels and decreased immune response in children. The U.S. EPA has indicated that PFAS may contribute to kidney and testicular cancers.

Contaminating Connecticut’s Drinking Water & Environment

From 2013-2015, the EPA required 40 public water systems in CT to test for PFAS chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS. These chemicals were not detected above federal reporting limits; however, emerging science indicates these chemicals present a serious public health risk, even at very low levels. Several states have taken steps to advance drinking water standards for PFAS well below current federal reporting limits in order to protect public health. More recently, private drinking water wells in Greenwich and Willimantic, CT were found to have high levels of PFAS, prompting state officials to issue “do not drink” orders for residents.

PFAS chemicals are also being discharged into our waterways from wastewater treatment plants and septic systems. In 2018, researchers at UCONN tested twelve sewage treatment plants in CT, and found that 100% of those plants were discharging PFAS chemicals into local waterways that eventually drain into LI Sound.

CT Must Take Action to Protect our Water and Health from PFAS

With the chemical industry pushing back against any meaningful action to protect public health and the environment from PFAS, it is imperative that our elected officials stand up for our health and environment and adopt the following measures:

• Ban PFAS in Food Packaging
  PFAS are widely used in food packaging for their stain and grease repellent properties. Scientific studies show that food packaging is one of the most common ways humans are exposed to PFAS chemicals. Currently, there are no state or federal regulations on the use of short-chain PFAS in food service packaging, and there is no way for consumers to know if their food is packaged using PFAS. The only way to ensure PFAS are not contaminating our food and beverages is to ban them in food packaging.

•  Ban PFAS in Firefighting Foam
  In June of 2019, more than 20,000 gallons of firefighting foam containing PFAS escaped into the Farmington River following an accidental discharge at Bradley Airport. The spill prompted CT DEEP to issue a fishing ban in the lower Farmington River. CT DEEP estimates more than 24,000 gallons of PFAS-containing firefighting foam is stockpiled at fire departments and airport hangars around the State. PFAS-free foams are effective and readily available for use—Connecticut should prohibit the use of firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals, wherever possible.

•  Adopt Strong Drinking Water Standards for PFAS
  Regrettably, there is no federal drinking water standard established for PFAS chemicals in drinking water.  Many states are stepping up to protect the health of residents by adopting their own drinking water standards. New science is revealing that even extremely low levels of exposure to PFOA and PFOS may cause health effects, such as immune suppression and serious developmental impairments. CT must set drinking water standards as low as possible. It is technologically feasible to treat water supplies down to a combined Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) of 2 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS, using activated carbon filtration technology. In order to adequately protect public health, Connecticut should adopt a combined MCL of 2ppt for PFOA and PFOS.

Email Connecticut House and Senate leadership today!

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Join us for a Jones Beach Cleanup and the Unveiling of “Jonesy the Whale”

Jonesy is a 32-foot, 2,500 pound metal sculpture designed to educate the public to fight plastic pollution in our Ocean!

Plastic pollutes our beaches, bays, and harbors; and is harmful to fish, turtles, birds, and other wildlife.  Help us to combat plastic pollution by participating in a beach cleanup and the unveiling of a giant whale metal sculpture.  This event brings together art and environmental activism.

Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Atlantic Marine Conservation Society will be joining Governor Cuomo and a coalition of water protection advocates for beach cleanup followed by a press event unveiling Jonesy the Whale, a 3D art instillation crafted from mesh metal. We will be filling Jonesy with the plastic pollution we collect. The end result will be a large-scale sculpture of the whale, which will symbolize the hazards of marine debris and serve as a reminder for the public to never leave garbage on the beach!

Please RSVP to education@amseas.org or 631.317.0030 to participate in the beach cleanup.

When:            
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Beach Cleanup: 9:30 a.m.

Press Conference and Sculpture Unveiling: 11:00 a.m.

Where:
Jones Beach State Park, East Bathouse, Wantagh, NY

Thank you for joining us!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Tell Congress to Keep our Ocean Canyons & Seamounts Protected

The Northeast Canyons and Seamounts were designated as a Marine National Monument in 2016. This national treasure consists of five underwater canyons and four mountains, or seamounts. Its unique geological landscape is the only one of its kind in U.S. Atlantic waters, and it carries tremendous ecological value. Unfortunately, this underwater wonder is one of several protected areas in jeopardy of being opened to industry as part of the federal government’s attack on National Monuments.

An Underwater Marvel

This rare underwater monument is located about 150 miles off Cape Cod, and it covers an area about the size of the State of Connecticut. Its three largest canyons are deeper than the Grand Canyon, and its seamounts are higher than any mountain peak east of the Colorado Rockies.

This deep-water region is a hotspot for an incredible abundance of sea life, including rare, centuries old corals, squid, finfish and marine mammals. A 2018 aerial survey observed more than 600 whales and dolphins feeding in the area. Some whale species documented in the monument include endangered sperm whales and the rare North Atlantic right whale. These ocean canyons have even become a fertile breeding ground for plankton and forage fish, which may help squid and tuna fisheries outside of the monument.

Marine Science Opportunities Abound

The Northeast Ocean Canyons and Seamounts are protected against offshore drilling, commercial fishing, and other activities that can adversely impact the marine ecosystem—although scientific research is permitted. The rich diversity of sea life there makes the area a virtual treasure trove for marine biologists seeking to study sea life in an environment untouched by human disturbances. More than 950 different marine species have been identified within the monument, and new species are discovered with each expedition. If protected, the monument can provide us with valuable marine science data for generations to come!

Threats from Washington

The U.S. Dept. of Interior has recommended rolling back protections for the monument, along with dozens of others across the United States. Additionally, pressure from the commercial fishing industry to lift the fishing ban in the monument has grown in recent years, and some members of congress have signaled their support for easing restrictions in this area. Rolling back protections could reintroduce the threat of offshore drilling, commercial fishing, and other harmful activities in and around the monument.

Protect Our Marine National Monument: Tell Congress to Support the Antiquities Act of 2019

The Antiquities Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Roosevelt in 1906. It gives the president the authority to create national monuments on public lands that are deemed to have significant cultural, scientific, and conservation value. The Antiquities Act of 2019 would strengthen protections for national monuments by clarifying that no national monument designation can be undone without an act of congress. Additionally, it creates a National Monument Enhancement Fund that can be used for maintaining and enhancing national monuments protected under this act.

Congress must fight to maintain protections our marine national monument, but they need to know Connecticut and New York residents care about our ocean canyons and seamounts!

Contact your U.S. Senators today:

In Connecticut:
Senator Richard Blumenthal
Senator Christopher Murphy

 In New York State:
Senator Charles Schumer
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand

Feel free to cut and paste the following message in your message to CT Senators:
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I am writing to express my strong support for protecting the Northeast Canyons & Seamounts National Monument, and to urge you to keep this natural treasure protected. Please cosponsor and support passage of the Antiquities Act of 2019, which ensures that no president can undo protections on our National Monuments without approval of Congress.

Our Ocean Canyons and Seamounts are a virtual treasure trove of rare and endangered marine species. Congress must act to ensure this underwater marvel remains protected for generations to come!

Thank you for your consideration.  Please respond in writing with your position.