Event: Protect our Drinking Water from Dangerous “Forever Chemicals”

Photo by Lisa Fotios: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-holding-drinking-glass-1346155/

Join us for a lunch and learn webinar to learn how you can help push New York State to take strong action to protect our drinking water from dangerous PFAS chemicals

In recent years, many communities across New York State discovered that their drinking water sources are contaminated with harmful PFAS chemicals. PFAS are referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are very persistent, meaning they build up in our bodies and don’t break down in the environment. 

The NYS Department of Health (DOH) recently proposed new draft regulations for PFAS chemicals in drinking water. Proposing new standards for additional PFAS chemicals is an important step forward; however, we cannot accept standards that are not adequate to protect public health. The proposed standards must be strengthened. NYS DOH is currently accepting public comments on their proposed regulations and it is imperative that the public weighs in!

Join experts from Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), and Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and learn about the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS exposure, the latest science on these emerging contaminants, and how you can weigh in with NYS on this important issue.

Presentations will be followed by Q & A. Free and open to the public. 

Date: Monday, Nov 21, 2022 
Time: 12:00 PM -1:00 PM
Where: Via Zoom (register today)
Speakers:

Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, CCE
Dr. Kyla Bennett, Director of Science Policy, PEER
Miriam Rotkin-Ellman MPH, Senior Scientist & Toxics Director, NRDC

*This program is also co-sponsored by Green Inside & Out.

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

November 8 is Election Day!

Vote Yes on the 
Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act

This election day, clean water is on the ballot—please don’t forget to vote on this once-in-a-generation opportunity! The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act, which is Prop 1 on the ballot, provides $4.2 billion for:

• Protecting drinking water and upgrading outdated infrastructure

• Safeguarding communities from flooding and extreme weather

• Conserving open space and family farms

• Fighting climate change

• Advancing environmental justice

• Strengthening New York’s economy and creating over 100,000 jobs

Don’t forget to flip your ballot and vote “yes” on Prop 1 on November 8th. If you want to learn more, check out our webpage and  our videos on the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act. Please spread the word far and wide!

Sincerely,
Your Friends at CCE

How Do Long Island Congressional Candidates Plan to Fight Climate Change?

CCE joined Students for Climate Action and the Citizens Climate Lobby to co-host Congressional Candidate Climate Change Chats

Find out how candidates plan to protect Long Island from climate change 

Long Island is on the front lines on climate change. Our Congressional representatives from districts 1, 2, 3, and 4 will have a crucial role to play in ensuring protections for our coastal communities, local economy, and environment. We invited both major party candidates from each of these districts to have 15-minute discussions with us discussing their plans for fighting climate change. We asked each candidate their plans to mitigate the potential impacts facing Long Islanders, views on promoting renewable energy, climate policy, and support for local green jobs. If you missed the event live, be sure to check our climate chats with:

JACKIE GORDON, Candidate for the 2nd Congressional District 

ANDREW GARBARINO, Candidate for the 2nd Congressional District

BRIDGET FLEMING, Candidate for the 1st Congressional District

LAURA GILLEN, Candidate for the 4th Congressional District 

ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, Candidate for 3rd Congressional District 

Congressional Candidate Climate Change Chats

Join CCE and Students for Climate Action (S4CA) virtually on the evening of October 20th to hear from Long Island candidates running for Congress—learn how they plan to address climate change if they are elected to Congress

Long Island is on the front lines of climate change. Our Congressional Representatives from districts 1, 2, 3 and 4 have a crucial role to play in ensuring protections for our coastal communities, local economy, and environment. Students for Climate Action and Citizens Campaign for the Environment invited both major party candidates from each of these districts to have 15-minute discussions with us to talk about their plans for fighting climate change. Join us for these informative climate chats! This zoom event is open and free to the public. 

Date: Thursday, October 20, 2022
Time: 7:30pm – 9:00pm
Location: Register for the zoom event today

Schedule: 

7:45-8:00 JACKIE GORDON, Candidate for the 2nd Congressional District 

8:00-8:15       ANDREW GARBARINO, Candidate for the 2nd Congressional District

8:15-8:30 BRIDGET FLEMING, Candidate for the 1st Congressional District

8:30-8:45 LAURA GILLEN, Candidate for the 4th Congressional District 

8:45-9:00 ROBERT ZIMMERMAN, Candidate for 3rd Congressional District 

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

New Yorkers will have the opportunity to vote on the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act November 8th!

Join us for a virtual lunch and learn presentation to learn more about Prop 1: The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act

Join CCE, The Nature Conservancy, and the New York League of Conservation Voters for an informative presentation on the Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act. If approved, this funding will allow our state to undertake urgently needed environmental improvement projects that are vital to New York’s future. This Bond Act, which is Prop 1 on the ballot this November, would provide necessary and overdue investments to solve pressing public health and environmental challenges. 

The Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act would provide $4.2 billion for:

• Protecting drinking water and upgrading outdated infrastructure

• Safeguarding communities from flooding and extreme weather

• Conserving open space and family farms

• Fighting climate change

• Advancing environmental justice

• Strengthening New York’s economy and creating over 100,000 jobs

Join us for this important presentation (free and open to the public):

When:       Tuesday, October 18, 12:00pm – 1:00pm
Where:      Register for the zoom forum today
Speakers:  Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Julie Tighe, New York League of Conservation Voters
Jessica Ottney Mahar, The Nature Conservancy

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

CANCELLED: Join us to learn about offshore wind projects off our coast!

CANCELLED!
Please note that this meeting is being rescheduled and as soon as we know the new dates we will send them to you. Thank you for your interest in Offshore Wind.

Join CCE and Equinor for informative public meetings about offshore wind projects in New York—Empire Wind 1 and Empire Wind 2, which will be located off the coast of the Rockaways and Long Beach and provide enough power for over one million homes

New York has set ambitious goals of 70% renewable energy by 2030 and carbon-free electrical generation by 2040. A key asset in achieving this critical goal is to harness our vast offshore wind resources, which is why New York has set a goal of 9,000 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind by 2035—enough to power 6 million homes. 

Empire Wind 1 will be located approximately 20 miles off the coast of the Rockaways and generate approximately 800 MW of energy, which will power 500,000 homes.

Empire Wind 2 will be located off the coast of Long Beach City, adjacent to Empire Wind 1. This project will generate 1,260 MW of energy for Long Island. Energy will be delivered to the south shore via a cable connection to the E.F. Barrett substation in Oceanside. The turbines will be built 20+ miles offshore. 

As these projects advance in New York, it is important for Equinor (the developer for Empire Wind 1 and 2) to give updates and hear from the public.  Please join us for the following public meetings:

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

Tell Us What YOU Think About Offshore Wind

Please Fill Out a Brief Survey Today.
Ensure Your Voice is Heard!

We are working throughout the state to educate residents, environmental stakeholders, and policymakers on offshore wind. New York has committed to 70% renewable energy by 2030 and offshore wind will be a key part of achieving that goal (NY has committed to a goal of 9GW of offshore wind by 2035—enough to power 6 million homes). The state’s first offshore wind farm is currently under construction and there are four more offshore wind projects moving through the permitting process. As offshore wind becomes a reality for New York, we want to hear from you! 

To help guide our educational campaign and help us provide feedback to key decision makers, we’re asking you to please fill out a brief survey. Let us know your thoughts on offshore wind. 

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

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