A Look Back at the New York State Legislative Session

Image by LoveBuiltLife from Pixabay

While some of our priority bills fell short, there were some significant achievements to celebrate from the recently concluded New York State legislative session! The following CCE priority bills were passed by the state legislature (still need to be signed by the Governor):

• Expanding Stream Protections: Protects an additional 41,000 miles of streams, which will help to protect drinking water supplies and preserve important habitat for fish.

• Conserving open space: Requires the conservation of at least 30% of land in the state by 2030, helping to fight climate change, protect biodiversity, and preserve forests and farmland.

• Making Polluters Pay for Drinking Water Contamination: Ensures that polluters, not taxpayers, pay for treatment of drinking water supplies when they are responsible for contaminating it.

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Carpets: Over 500 million pounds of carpets go to landfills and incinerators each year in NYS. Carpet EPR will help ensure that manufacturers—not taxpayers and local governments—take responsibility for managing their products throughout their entire life cycle. Not only will this save local governments money, but it will increase recycling of carpets, save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and reduce toxic chemicals in our homes.

 And let’s not forget the major victories from the state budget that was passed earlier in the legislative session!

• Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act: The $4.2 billion bond act will protect waterways, make our communities more resilient to climate change, and create jobs. The bond act will be considered by voters on the ballot in the upcoming November election.

• Increased Wetlands Protections: The program will protect an additional million acres of freshwater wetlands, which are critical to protecting communities from flooding, filtering pollution, fighting climate change, and providing habitat for fish and wildlife.

• Historic Funding for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF): The EPF was funded at an all-time high of $400 million and will support programs to protect the Ocean and Great Lakes, preserve valuable open space, fight climate change, increase recycling, and so much more.

• Fixing our sewer and drinking water systems: The state provided $500 million to upgrade failing sewer systems and improve treatment of drinking water.

We were also disappointed that some of our priority bills did not pass, including extended producer responsibility for product packaging and paper (makes brand owners—not taxpayers—pay for recycling of product packaging) and a ban on unnecessary uses of bee-killing neonic pesticides. We are eager to get these bills passed in the upcoming 2023 legislative session.

Thank you for your support—we could not have achieved these accomplishments without you!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

What are the Problems with Artificial Turf? You have questions, we have answers!

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Join CCE and PEER for a virtual lunch and learn presentation on the environmental and public health concerns associated with artificial turf fields

Throughout New York State, Connecticut, and the nation, natural grass playgrounds and athletic fields are being replaced with “artificial” or “synthetic” turf. The use of artificial turf raises significant environmental, health, and safety concerns that parents, schools, and policymakers must be made aware of. As schools continue to switch over to artificial turf, children who play on these surfaces are at increased risk of physical injury and exposure to toxic chemicals.

On Tuesday, June 28, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) are co-hosting an educational presentation to discuss the significant problems with artificial turf. Join us to hear from experts and have the opportunity to ask questions. 

Speakers:
Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, CCE
Dr. Sarah Evans, PhD, MPH, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy, PEER
Monica I. Mercola, Environmental Legal Fellow, PEER

Topics:

• PFAS and other hazardous chemicals used in artificial turf

• Water contamination

• Microplastic pollution

• Climate impacts

• Increased sports injuries

• Lack of recyclability

• Increased costs to schools

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, June 28, 2022
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual presentation on Zoom. Register today!

This event is free and open to the public. 

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Preserve Plum Island

“Plum Island, aerial photograph”, by adrian, acediscovery, licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0

Help to ensure this ecological gem located in Long Island Sound is permanently protected! 

Plum Island is an 840-acre island located 10 miles from Connecticut in the heart of Long Island Sound.  Approximately 90% of the island is undeveloped, allowing pristine wetlands and grassland areas to flourish and giving the island tremendous ecological value. Plum Island is home to over 111 species of conservation concern, contains one of the most significant seal haul-out sites in southern New England, and is home to 228 bird species that use the island for breeding or migratory purposes.

Plum Island has long been the home of USDA’s animal disease research facility, blocking it from public access. The facility is now being relocated to the Midwest, providing a unique opportunity for a new vision for Plum Island.

For over a decade, a broad, diverse coalition, which includes elected officials, environmental groups, businesses, and Indigenous nations, has worked together to save Plum Island from large-scale private development. We have been working for permanent protection and preservation, and now is the time to get it done! We are urging the Biden administration to designate Plum Island as a National Monument, ensuring that wildlife is protected, cultural and historical values are maintained, and people are able to enjoy this unique ecosystem for generations to come.

Email President Biden today. Urge him to designate Plum Island as a National Monument and ensure that this Island will be preserved for future generations.

Thank you for taking action,
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling in New York

Hold manufacturers—not taxpayers—responsible for their waste!

With only a couple weeks left in the New York State legislative session, it is critical that the Senate and Assembly come together and pass strong, unified legislation to tackle the state’s solid waste and recycling crisis before time runs out!

New York State is indeed suffering from a solid waste and recycling crisis—recycling costs for municipalities and taxpayers have skyrocketed, recycling rates have declined, and our environment and health are suffering from pollution caused by excessive plastic packaging. Currently, corporate brand owners bear no responsibility in managing the product packaging waste they have created.  

Bills have been introduced in both the NYS Senate and Assembly to help fix our solid waste crisis. The policy, known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), would require product manufacturers—not taxpayers—to be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling the packaging and paper they create. 

A strong EPR policy will help:

• Reduce waste: EPR incentivizes producers to produce less plastic waste and packaging in the first place!

• Increase recycling: New York’s recycling rate is approximately 18%, while countries that have adopted an EPR policy have rates over 70%.

• Eliminate toxic chemicals: Prohibit the harmful “forever chemical” PFAS and other toxic chemicals often used in packaging.

• Reduce plastic pollution in our waterways: Lake Erie is polluted with 381 metric tons of plastic while Long Island Sound has an estimated 165 million plastic particles floating in the water at any given time.

• Save taxpayers money: Local governments (outside of NYC) pay $80 million annually to keep recycling programs going.

• Fight climate change: EPR can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 2.3 million metric tons — the equivalent of taking half a million cars off the road or reducing the state’s GHG emissions from waste by 18%

Tell elected leaders in the NYS Assembly and Senate to support passage of a strong EPR bill this session! Act today, the legislative session is scheduled to conclude in early June.

Thank you for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Protect Our Pollinators!

Image by Hans Benn from Pixabay

Ban Dangerous and Unnecessary Uses of Toxic Neonic Pesticides in New York!

The New York State Assembly recently passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which would ban the most dangerous and unnecessary uses of toxic neonic pesticides! Neonic pesticides decimate bee and pollinator populations, contaminate New York’s water resources, and threaten food security and human health. 

There are only a handful of days left in New York State’s legislative session. We need the New York State Senate to follow the Assembly and pass this important legislation before it’s too late. Email your NYS Senator and Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins today and urge the NYS Senate to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act this session!

Background

Pollinators, such as honeybees, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are essential components of our food web. Massive bee die-off events and colony collapse disorder are putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. This rise in bee deaths has been largely linked to the explosive growth in the use of neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides. Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides are largely added as a seed coating to plants, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans and are used as a spray for ornamental plants and turf. As a seed coating these chemicals persist and spread as the plant grows, making the entire plant toxic to bees and other pollinators. 

Neonics are also threatening New York’s waters. A 2018 U.S. Fish and Wildlife study found neonics in New York’s streams “in excess of toxicity and regulatory thresholds. Additionally, extensive testing of New York’s surface waters by the USGS in 2016, found the neonic imidacloprid in nearly 40% of samples. Neonics are persistent in our water and environment, posing a serious threat to health and pollinators.

Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York, while lawn and garden (aka cosmetic) uses make up an additional 15%. A 2020 report by Cornell University found that neonic treated corn, soy, and wheat seeds provide "no overall net income benefits" to farmers yet pose significant risk to bees and other pollinators. Likewise, cosmetic uses posed some of the highest risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives. The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.699C/A.7429A) would ban neonic treated seeds and the use of neonics on lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants.

Thank you! Together we can make a difference.
All of Us at CCE

Learn about the Empire Wind Offshore Wind Projects

Join CCE, Wind Works Long Island, and Equinor for community meetings to learn more about these exciting offshore wind projects

Empire Wind 1 and 2, which will be located off the south shore of Long Island, will power over a million homes with renewable energy. These projects are crucial to assisting New York’s transition from fossil fuels to offshore wind and we are working to ensure that the community has voice in these projects.  CCE and Wind Works Long Island are co-hosting workshops with Equinor (the developer for the projects) in Long Beach and Island Park to educate Long Islanders about the Empire Wind projects and Empire Wind 2 cable connection into Nassau County. These meetings are free, open to the public, and in-person. 

Date: May 3, 2022 
Time: 5:30 pm – 6:45 pm 
Location: Long Beach City Hall, 6th Floor, Long Beach, NY 11561 
RSVP: Click here to register (Please register early as space is limited) 

Date: May 4, 2022 
Time: 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm 
Location: Island Park Library, 176 Long Beach Rd, Island Park, NY 11558 
RSVP: Click here to register (Please register early as space is limited) 

The workshops will provide an overview of the projects and the role they will play in helping Long Island move from fossil fuels to offshore wind. The events will be an opportunity to learn about project details and the permitting process, meet the project team, share what is most important to you, and engage with experts on a range of topics covering the potential impacts and benefits associated with the environment, jobs, community benefits, rates, viewsheds, fisheries, and marine logistics.  

We hope to see you there!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Fight Climate Change in NYS!

Attend an upcoming public hearing in Buffalo or Syracuse on NY’s plan to fight climate change and advance renewable energy

New York State has the most aggressive climate law in the nation, requiring 70% renewable energy by 2030, carbon-free electricity by 2040, and net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The state’s Climate Action Council has developed a draft scoping plan to implement these ambitious and critical goals. Now the Climate Action Council wants to hear from you on their plan!

Public hearings are coming up in Syracuse and Buffalo. You can speak at the hearing or just attend to show your support for a strong plan to implement the climate law (pre-register to speak here).

When: Tuesday, April 26, at 4:00pm
Where: SUNY ESF, Gateway Center, Syracuse

When: Wednesday, April 27, at 3:30pm 
Where: Buffalo & Erie County Public Library in the City of Buffalo

For the full list of public hearings, including two hearings being held virtually, click here. 

Planning to speak at the hearing? Here are some talking points you can use (you will only have two minutes to speak):

• I support an aggressive plan to meet NY’s goals of 70% renewable energy by 2030, a carbon free electric grid by 2040, and net zero GHG emissions by 2050. The state should set annual goals and benchmarks to ensure we are staying on track to meet these important long-term goals.

• Set an aggressive schedule for the phase out and closure of fossil fuel plants as quickly as possible.

• We must address the emissions from the solid waste sector by holding corporate manufacturers responsible for managing their products throughout their entire life cycle through a policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). New York should adopt strong EPR policies for product packaging, carpets, mattresses, household appliances, all batteries, and other hard-to-recycle products. The state should also develop a comprehensive plan to ban harmful and unnecessary single-use plastic products.

• To meet renewable energy goals, we need offshore wind. We must not only meet the state’s goal of 9000MW of offshore wind by 2035, we must plan to significantly expand on this goal in order to meet our 2040 clean energy goal. Great Lakes wind, which is responsibly-sited and protects the health of the lakes, should be considered as part of these goals.

• Support justice and equity in all aspects of the plan, and work to achieve maximum investments in environmental justice communities that have and continue to be disproportionately impacted by climate change and pollution.

We’ll also provide template comments for you to submit electronically before the close of the comment period in June—stay tuned!

Thank you for taking action! Together we can make a difference.

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Get the Latest Updates on Offshore Wind in New York

Join us on April 19th for a virtual lunch and learn forum with NYSERDA President Doreen Harris

Join CCE and the New York League of Conservation Voters as we host New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) President Doreen Harris to discuss the five offshore wind projects progressing through the regulatory process in New York and the role offshore wind will play in creating green jobs and helping New York combat climate change.

The forum will include a presentation, followed by Q&A. The event is free and open to the public. 

Date: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 
Register: Click here!

New York is a leader in addressing climate change. NY passed the Nation’s most aggressive climate bill, which mandates 70% renewable energy by 2030 and a carbon neutral economy by 2050. We will not achieve these goals without offshore wind. 

There is tremendous progress on offshore wind! There are five offshore wind projects selected for New York and additional lease areas in the New York Bight. The five projects will power over two million homes in New York City and Long Island and get us nearly halfway to our state mandate of 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035. Join us to learn more and ask questions!

Thank you for joining us! 

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Protect People, Pets and Pollinators!

Image by scott244 from Pixabay

Ban Dangerous Uses of Toxic Pesticides in Connecticut!

Pollinators, such as honeybees, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are essential components of our food web. Massive bee die-off events and colony collapse disorder are putting our ecosystem and food production at risk. This rise in bee deaths has been largely linked to the explosive growth in the use of neonicotinoids and other harmful pesticides such as Chlorpyrifos. Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) and Chlorpyrifos are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides when used as a spray on golf courses and for cosmetic uses (lawns and gardens) pose a high risk to pollinators.

Neonics and Chlorpyrifos also threaten human health and have been linked to adverse health effects especially in babies and young children. Chlorpyrifos has been linked to harming the developing brains of children causing autism, learning disabilities, and other negative human health issues. CDC monitoring shows that 50% of the U.S. population is regularly exposed to neonics, with the highest levels found in children. Research has linked neonics to potential neurological, developmental, and reproductive harms.  Connecticut has been a leader in passing crucial legislation to restrict pesticide use, but it has been five years since any new pesticide laws have been passed. We cannot wait any longer to address these toxic pesticides!

Connecticut Must Take Action!

Call your legislators and ask them to support SB 120, An Act Concerning the Use of Chlorpyrifos on Golf Courses and Neonicotinoids for Nonagricultural use. This bill would protect people, pets, and pollinators from toxic pesticides that are harmful to our health and the environment. SB 120 would (1) ban chlorpyrifos from use on golf courses (the federal govt has already banned its use on food crops) and (2) ban neonicotinoids for all non-agricultural, cosmetic uses. Email your elected representatives today and urge them to pass SB 120!

Thank you for taking action! Together we can make a difference.

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Join Us: Learn about the Human Story Behind the Love Canal Environmental Crisis

Bestselling author Keith O’Brien will be in Niagara Falls and Buffalo to discuss his new book, Paradise Falls

Keith O'Brien—a former reporter for the Boston Globe and a New York Times bestselling author whose work has appeared in Politico, the Washington Post, the New York Times, and on National Public Radio—will be in Niagara Falls and Buffalo for two free events to discuss his new book, Paradise Falls.

Paradise Falls tells the human story behind the Love Canal crisis—the mothers who organized around their kitchen tables to save their families and escape their own homes. In the span of just two years, they went from being ignored by local officials to having the ear of the EPA, the White House, and even President Jimmy Carter himself. It is a story of resistance in the face of impossible odds and a story that remains all too relevant today. 

You can learn more at www.KeithOB.com or by watching the book's video trailer here.  

Event info:

Where: Niagara Falls Public Library (Lasalle Branch)
When: Tuesday, April 19, at 6:30pm

Where: Buffalo History Museum
When: Wednesday, April 20, at 6pm

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

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Join the Long Island Sound Coastal Watershed Network for our 2022 webinar series!

Long Island Sound: Driving Local Actions to Tackle Water Pollution is a webinar series advancing local actions for cleaner waters and healthy watersheds in Long Island Sound. Hear from scientists and practitioners about approaches to combat pollution and clean up coastal waters in communities around Long Island Sound.  This year’s workshop series will focus on creating connections, collaborations for change, and reducing cost barriers for implementation.

The webinar series will bring people from across the Sound together to learn about advancements in technology and policy that tackles our biggest water quality challenges—from fecal bacteria, nitrogen, and marine debris/plastic pollution. These forums will inspire action. Each webinar will allow time for a question-and-answer session with the panelists and technical break-out groups for those that want to take a deeper dive on pollution issues.

2022 Webinar Schedule:

• Thursday, April 14 from 12:00pm-1:30pm: Marine Debris and Plastic Pollution

• Thursday May 12 from 12:00pm-1:30pm: Nitrogen Pollution

• Friday, June 16 from 12:00pm-1:30pm: Fecal Bacteria Pollution

Click here for registration and more information!

The Long Island Sound Coastal Watershed Network is hosted by  Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Save the Sound, and  The Nature Conservancy  with generous support from the LIS Funders Collaborative and LIS Study funding.

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Protect New York’s Wetlands

Image by Alain Audet from Pixabay

Urge lawmakers to pass legislation in the state budget to protect 1 million acres of wetlands!

New York’s wetlands’ regulations are outdated and grossly inadequate, leaving millions of acres of valuable wetlands vulnerable to being destroyed or polluted. In fact, NYS has already lost at least 60% of its wetlands—over 1.5 million acres.

Governor Hochul and the New York State Senate have proposed to update and improve the state’s wetlands program in their respective budget proposals. If enacted in the final state budget that is due on March 31, this policy would protect over 1 million acres of wetlands across the state. Protecting wetlands will safeguard drinking water sources, shield communities from flooding, help fight climate change, and provide habitat for fish and wildlife. 

CCE has been fighting to modernize New York’s wetlands’ protections for nearly two decades—we are closer than ever to finally getting the job done and we need your help! Email elected leaders today and urge them to protect New York’s freshwater wetlands in the final state budget due on March 31.

Why are our wetlands so important? Wetlands, regardless of size, provide numerous benefits to people, environment, and economy of New York State. Wetlands:

• Protect clean drinking water: Often referred to as “nature’s kidneys,” wetlands absorb pesticides, nitrogen, and other contaminants before they pollute drinking water sources.

• Absorb floodwaters: Wetlands save billions of dollars in property damage annually by acting as a buffer against storm water and absorbing floodwaters. One acre of wetlands can store 1.5 million gallons of storm water.

• Provide habitat for wildlife: More than half of all threatened or endangered species depend on wetlands during their lifecycle.

• Help fight climate change: Wetlands can store 81 to 216 metric tons of carbon per acre, helping to fight climate change.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling in New York

Hold manufacturers—not taxpayers—responsible for their waste!

New York State is suffering from a solid waste and recycling crisis—recycling costs for municipalities and taxpayers have skyrocketed, recycling rates have declined, and our environment and health are suffering from pollution caused by excessive plastic packaging. Currently, corporate brand owners bear no responsibility in managing the product packaging waste they have created.  

A proposed policy known as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) would require product manufacturers—not taxpayers—to be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling the packaging and printed paper they create. A strong EPR policy will help:

• Reduce waste: EPR incentivizes producers to produce less packaging in the first place!

• Increase recycling: New York’s recycling rate is approximately 18%, while countries that have adopted an EPR policy have rates over 70%.

• Eliminate toxic chemicals: Prohibit the harmful “forever chemical” PFAS and other toxic chemicals often used in packaging.

• Reduce plastic pollution in our waterways: Lake Erie is polluted with 381 metric tons of plastic while Long Island Sound has an estimated 165 million plastic particles floating in the water at any given time.

• Save taxpayers money: Local governments (outside of NYC) pay $80 million annually to keep recycling programs going.

• Fight climate change: EPR can lower greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by over 2.3 million metric tons — the equivalent of taking half a million cars off the road or reducing the state’s GHG emissions from waste by 18%

Urge your representatives in the NY Senate and Assembly to pass a strong EPR policy this legislative session!

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

What’s in Governor Hochul’s Proposed 2022 Budget for Long Island’s Environment? Join Us and Find Out!

Join us for a virtual presentation featuring NYS Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid to learn more about funding for water quality, parks, offshore wind energy, and more!

Register for the Virtual Event Here

Governor Hochul’s proposed 2022-2023 budget supports critical environmental programs: 

• A $4 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act

• All-time-high Environmental Protection Fund at $400 million

• Significant investments in offshore wind

• Funding for clean water infrastructure

• Increased funding for state parks

• Policy to reduce paper and plastic packaging waste, and to improve recycling

• Enhanced protections for wetlands

CCE is hosting a virtual presentation with Erik Kulleseid, Commissioner of New York State Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, to discuss how these important budget proposals will affect Long Island communities, waterways, parks, and natural resources. 

The presentation is open to the public, free to join, and there will be an opportunity for questions and answers from the audience. 

Date: Tuesday, February 8, 2022 

Time: 11:00am

Where: Via Zoom—Register Here

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE

Big Gains for Environmental Programs in Proposed NY Budget

We were thrilled when Governor Hochul recently released her 2022-2023 executive budget proposal and it included many of CCE’s top priorities for this year. 2022 is shaping up to be a great year for New York’s environment with historic funding proposed for environmental and public health protections. This is major progress, and we could not have done it without your support! 

The final state budget is due by April 1st, and we are working to ensure that Governor Hochul’s proposals (and more) make it into the final New York State Budget. The proposed budget includes:

• Historic $4 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act: The bond act, which would go before the voters on the November ballot, will protect clean water, protect communities from climate change, and create thousands of good jobs.

• An all-time high of $400 million for the Environmental Protection Fund: Allows communities to protect clean water, conserve open space, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, build community parks, support zoos, and more.

• $500 million to grow the offshore wind supply chain: Creates jobs and helps to ensure NY meets its ambitious 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035 target.

• $500 million for clean water infrastructure: Helps communities treat drinking water for dangerous contaminants, upgrades outdated sewage and septic systems, replaces lead drinking water pipes, and more.

• Holds manufacturers, not taxpayers, accountable for recycling their packaging waste: This policy would reduce packaging waste, improve recycling, prevent plastic pollution, and save local governments millions of dollars. A complimentary policy would ban toxic chemicals, like PFAS, in product packaging.

• Strengthens protections for our critical wetlands: Wetlands help protect drinking water, reduce flooding, and are home to numerous threatened and endangered species.

• $200 million for state parks: Enhances and improves our state parks that provide amazing recreational opportunities and support tourism.

Stay tuned for opportunities to weigh in on the budget process and maximize critical environmental funding!

Thank you,
Your friends at CCE

Support a Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy

Photo by Andris Bergmanis from Pexels

Urge Governor Hochul to include a $500 million Environmental Protection Fund in this year’s budget

In 1993, the NYS Legislature created the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) to provide a reliable and dedicated source of funding for essential environmental programs in NYS. EPF projects have invested over $3 billion in local communities to protect clean water, conserve open space, save family farms, bolster recycling programs, revitalize waterfronts, build community parks, support zoos, and more. These investments not only benefit our environment; they also help bolster our economy and support 350,000 jobs. For every $1 of EPF funds invested in land conservation, $7 in goods and services is returned to NYS. As we combat harmful algal blooms from nitrogen pollution, a solid waste crisis, climate change impacts and water quality impairments across our state, it is more important than ever to make crucial investments in environmental protection this year.

For the last six years, EPF funding has been stuck at $300 million. While this is a good start, EPF funding is meant to grow over time, and we cannot afford another year of stagnation. We need increased funding to support programs including climate resiliency measures, improving recycling, conserving open space, and protecting our oceans, estuaries, and Great Lakes. This year, we are urging Governor Hochul to include an historic $500 million EPF in the 2022-2023 budget and we need your help!

Email Governor Hochul today and let her know you support a $500 million Environmental Protection Fund in this year’s budget.

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Hold manufacturers—not taxpayers—responsible for their waste!

Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling in New York

New York State is suffering from a growing solid waste and recycling crisis. Recycling markets in China and elsewhere have closed their doors to the U.S., forcing us to start managing our long-standing solid waste problems. As a result, municipal recycling costs have skyrocketed, recycling rates have declined, and our environment and health are suffering from pollution. 

Signs of our solid waste crisis are evident across New York:

Plastic packaging and paper recycling are in crisis: New York generates more than 17 million tons of municipal solid waste annually. An estimated 40 percent of that waste is composed of product packaging and paper products, such as plastic containers, steel cans, plastic film, glass bottles, and cardboard. Unfortunately, less than half of this waste is being recycled properly. Instead of being recycled, much of this waste is ending up as litter in our communities, shipped to landfills, or burned in trash incinerators. 

Costs to local governments—and taxpayers—have skyrocketed: Municipalities were once getting paid for recyclables, however now, they must pay to recycle. Instead of generating revenue from recyclables, many municipalities face recycling costs in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars per year. The increased cost for local governments to process these materials was estimated to total $80 million across NYS in 2021. Local officials are now forced to consider raising fees on residents and/or reducing the recycling services provided to their communities.

New York’s waterways are suffering from increased plastic pollution: All too often, plastic packaging is littering our communities, ultimately making its way into our treasured rivers, lakes, bays, and ocean. Plastics do not biodegrade once they enter the environment—instead they break down into tiny pieces known as microplastics, which are frequently mistaken for food and ingested by fish and other aquatic wildlife. Recent research indicates that Lake Erie contains 381 metric tons of plastic—more than 50 times greater than the previous estimates at the surface. In NY/NJ Harbor Estuary, there are an estimated 165 million plastic particles floating in the water at any given time. In Long Island Sound coastal communities, voluntary clean ups report finding over 110,000 pounds of marine debris on beaches over the last 8 years.

Large Brands are Failing to Take Responsibility: Currently, manufacturers bear no responsibility for disposing of packaging waste they create. Large brands have externalized the cost of disposing of packaging onto our municipal recycling programs and local taxpayers.  For example, an estimated 165 billion packages are shipped in the U.S. every year, and yet companies currently bear no responsibility for managing any of this packaging waste that their businesses create.  Instead, taxpayers are shouldering the financial burden for disposal. 

The Solution to Reducing Waste and Saving Taxpayers Money: Hold Manufacturers Responsible for their Waste: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) would require manufacturers to take responsibility for their products throughout their entire product life cycle, by bearing the cost of proper recycling and responsible disposal for packaging and printed paper. Not only does this provide relief to taxpayers, but it also serves as an incentive for producers to minimize packaging materials, improve recyclability, and reduce the toxicity of their products. Packaging EPR policies have existed in Canada and the EU for decades and resulted in recycling rates upwards of 90%.

New York Must Take Action on Our Solid Waste Crisis!

Governor Hochul has proposed to include EPR in the 2022-23 state budget. New York State can reduce waste, increase recycling, save taxpayers money, and protect our treasured waters by including Extender Producer Responsibility for packaging and paper in the final state budget. Email elected representatives today and urge them to support EPR in the final 2022-23 state budget! 

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Announcing CCE’s 2021 Connecticut Environmental Champions

Celebrate CT’s elected officials that have led the way in protecting our environment and public health!

CCE is excited to announce our 2021 Connecticut Environmental Champions! We take pride in recognizing legislators who have demonstrated a real commitment to protecting our precious natural resources and our health. This year, we are proud to announce four legislative champions who have led the fight for clean air, clean water and environmental justice in Connecticut:

State Senator Christine Cohen (12th Senate Dist.) is the Senate Chair of the Environment Committee and the lead advocate for progressive environmental policy in the Senate. She led the fight on several important victories in Connecticut in 2021, including modernizing the CT Bottle Bill, restricting toxic PFAS in food packaging, and passing critical updates to CCE’s signature “Sewage Overflow Right-to-Know” law.

State Senator Matthew Lesser (9th Senate Dist.) is a long-time supporter of strong environmental protections and has helped advance multiple CCE priorities, including a bill to ban toxic fracking waste coming into Connecticut. In 2021, Sen. Lesser spearheaded the effort to pass first-in-the-nation legislation to combat climate change by divesting Connecticut’s insurance accounts from firms that insure the fossil fuel industry. This makes Connecticut a national leader in efforts to reduce climate emissions, discourage investment in dirty fossil fuels and promote clean energy technology.

State Representative Brandon McGee (5th House Dist.) is a lifelong community advocate, fighting for the rights of low- and moderate-income families across Connecticut. He understands the intersection of environmental justice issues and health inequities that impact our most vulnerable populations. In 2021, he facilitated community conversations on important environmental justice issues, was an outspoken supporter of the Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI), and he established an Equity Commission to study the impacts of racism on public health.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg (136th House Dist.) is the House Chair of the Public Health Committee. Rep. Steinberg has been a strong supporter of Connecticut’s environment through the years, having led the fight to pass a comprehensive State Water Plan for Connecticut in 2019. As chair of Public Health, Rep. Steinberg was the first to introduce legislation restricting toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in food packaging and prohibiting the use of PFAS-treated firefighting foams that contaminate our water and threaten our health.

Protecting our environment is a full-time job. These legislators have proven themselves to be steadfast advocates for their communities and our shared environment. CCE applauds these lawmakers for their efforts to safeguard our state’s air and water resources, address health inequities, and promote good environmental policy in Connecticut. 

These legislators are true leaders in our state, and we are proud to present them with our 2021 Connecticut Environmental Champion Award!

Thank you for taking a moment to recognize our champions. Together, we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Connecticut Needs a Cleaner, More Equitable Transportation System

Image by Alexander Grishin from Pixabay

Tell lawmakers in Hartford to cut transportation emissions that harm our health and contribute to climate change!

The impacts of climate change are increasingly apparent in Connecticut and across the globe. Climate change is increasing the severity of hurricanes, drought, heat-related deaths and illnesses, and causing rising sea levels that inundate our coastal communities. Without immediate action, climate change will cause devastating effects on Connecticut’s infrastructure, economy, public health, and way of life.

The transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Connecticut, accounting for roughly 38% of GHG emissions generated in our state. We cannot address the climate crisis without cutting pollution from the transportation sector!

Transportation Emissions Threaten Public Health in CT:

• CT ranks as the 10th worst state for smog, which can cause premature death, aggravated asthma, and increased respiratory symptoms.

• CT’s asthma rate is worse than the national average: 11% of children and 10.5% of adults have asthma in CT.

• Rising temperatures due to climate change are exacerbating these health risks, by increasing smog and prolonging dangerous air conditions.

• Tailpipe emissions led to an estimated 367 premature deaths in CT in one year.

CT Must Take Action to Slash Emissions from the Transportation Sector 

Under the proposed Transportation and Climate Initiative Program (TCI-P), CT would cap carbon pollution from transportation fuels and invest in our communities to provide better, cleaner, and safer transportation options. In less than a decade, TCI-P will guarantee at least a 26% reduction in carbon emissions from transportation. The TCI-P would also require oil companies to pay for the pollution their products cause, which will allow for needed investments in a clean transportation and public health improvements. A minimum of 50% of revenue will be invested in communities that are overburdened by air pollution or underserved by the transportation system. Projects that the TCI program include, but are not limited to:

✔︎ Improving/expanding public transit in urban, suburban, and rural areas

✔︎ Converting school and transit buses and diesel truck fleets to cleaner electric models

✔︎ Promoting safer, more bike-friendly and walkable communities

✔︎ Providing rebates to make electric vehicles more affordable

✔︎ Expanding EV charging infrastructure

✔︎ Expanding local air quality monitoring

Email your State Legislators and Governor Lamont today and tell them it’s time to take action on climate change, by supporting TCI during the upcoming legislative session

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE