Turn Off the Tap to Dangerous PFAS Chemicals Now!

New York State Must Ban PFAS “Forever Chemicals” in Everyday Products

In recent years, communities across NY and the nation have discovered 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. New science indicates that there is no safe level of exposure to PFAS in our drinking water and we must do more to protect public health from this growing threat.

New York State is considering legislation that will ban the use of PFAS chemicals in a host of everyday products. The use of PFAS in these products is unnecessary, contributes to harmful PFAS pollution, and threatens public health. Take action today and urge your elected representatives to support passage of this critical legislation today!  

Background

What is PFAS and where does it come from?
Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of thousands of manufactured chemicals that have been used in industry and consumer products for many decades, due to their non-stick, grease-resistant and waterproof properties. PFAS is used in cookware, packaging, textiles, furniture, adhesives, paint, and numerous other products. According to the U.S. EPA, there are 3,500 industrial sites across New York State that may be handling or using PFAS chemicals.

PFAS Threatens our Health
Studies show that human exposure to PFAS is widespread—it’s estimated that 98% of people in the U.S. have PFAS compounds in their blood. Exposure to PFAS can lead to higher rates of kidney and testicular cancer, higher cholesterol levels, thyroid problems, adverse developmental effects and decreased immune response in children, and other adverse health impacts.

PFAS Pollutes our Environment and Drinking Water
Due to widespread use of PFAS chemicals in numerous products and industries, PFAS chemicals have become ubiquitous in the environment, including our soil, air, and drinking water. Testing has revealed some levels of PFAS in approximately 50% of public water systems across NYS, with about 250 water systems exceeding NY’s drinking water standards for two PFAS chemicals—PFOA and PFOS. EPA recently adopted stronger drinking water standards for several PFAS chemicals, which will cause an estimated 296 additional communities across NYS to exceed standards and have to treat drinking water for these harmful chemicals.

It’s Time to Turn Off the Tap to PFAS!
As we make important progress to remove PFAS from our drinking water, it does not make sense to continue using more PFAS and allow more contamination to occur! New York must get serious about limiting further PFAS contamination by banning unnecessary uses of PFAS in products. New York has already enacted laws to limit PFAS in firefighting foam, food packaging, carpets, and apparel; however, there are numerous other products that continue to use PFAS unnecessarily.

Legislation has been introduced in New York State (A.3556C/S.5648C) that bans the sale of PFAS in a host of everyday products—textile articles, rugs, fabric treatments, cookware, ski waxes, architectural paints, children’s products, anti-fogging sprays and wipes, dental floss, and cleaning products, beginning in 2026. This bill targets products in common use for which there are ample alternatives, and in most cases, restrictions already exist in other states or countries. Email your elected representatives and urge them to support a ban on PFAS in everyday products now!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely, 
All of us at CCE

Reduce Waste and Increase Recycling in New York

Photo by Tom Fisk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/bird-s-eye-view-of-landfill-3181031/

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. 

To help address this solid waste crisis, the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (S.4246B/A.5322B) has been introduced by Senator Harckham and Assemblymember Glick in the NYS Legislature. The policy requires product manufacturers—not taxpayers—to be responsible for the cost of collecting and recycling the packaging they create. If passed into law, this legislation will reduce packaging waste, increase recycling, eliminate toxic chemicals in packaging, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and save local governments across the state over $400 million annually!

Email your NYS Assemblymember, NYS Senator, and Governor Hochul. Urge them to support passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act this legislative session!

BACKGROUND

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, paper, and cardboard. Unfortunately, less than 20% of this waste is being recycled properly. Instead of being recycled, much of this waste ends 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, but 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 solid waste and recycling crisis is estimated to cost New York’s local governments over $400 million annually. 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 course of 8 years.

Large Brands are Failing to Take Responsibility: Currently, manufacturers bear no responsibility for recycling the packaging waste they create. Large brands have externalized the cost of disposing of and recycling 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 and local governments are shouldering the financial burden of packaging disposal and recycling—the cost to New York State’s local governments is estimated at over $400 million annually. 

The Solution to Reducing Waste and Saving Taxpayers Money: Hold Manufacturers Responsible for their Waste! The Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (often referred to as Extended Producer Responsibility or EPR) would require manufacturers to take responsibility for their products throughout their entire product life cycle, by bearing the cost of properly recycling their packaging. Not only does this provide relief to taxpayers, but it also requires producers to minimize packaging materials, improve recyclability, and reduce the toxicity of their products. These policies have existed in Canada and the EU for decades and resulted in recycling rates upwards of 80%.

To learn more about the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act, visit CCE’s YouTube playlist.

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

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Lunch and Learn with Propel NY Energy

Join us for a Zoom presentation and Q &A with Propel NY Energy to learn more about their project to deliver clean energy to LI, NYC, and Westchester

Join Citizens Campaign for the Environment and the NY League of Conservation Voters Education Fund on April 9th for a free informational Lunch and Learn presentation with Propel NY Energy. The Propel team will be giving updates on their project to bolster the electric transmission network through parts of Long Island, New York City and Westchester County to create clean energy pathways for delivering clean energy, including offshore wind. The Propel project was selected by New York State in June of 2023. The Propel project includes nearly 90 miles of new underground transmission and several new sub stations to aid NY in achieving our climate goals. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2026 to put the project in service in 2030.

This is a great opportunity to learn about Propel NY Energy and have a discussion with their team. There will be an opportunity for Q & A after the presentation. We hope you can join us. Please register for this free Zoom event today!

When: Tuesday, April 9, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
All of us at CCE

New Yorkers Deserve Clean Water

The New York State budget is due April 1—tell Albany lawmakers to invest in clean water infrastructure!

Much of New York’s wastewater and drinking water infrastructure is aging and failing. As a result, sewage is overflowing into waterways, emerging contaminants are being discovered in drinking water, and water main breaks are closing streets and businesses. Critical funding to fix our water infrastructure is at risk of being cut in the final state budget that is due April 1—we need you to take action today! 

The NY Clean Water Infrastructure Act has been funded at $500 million annually since 2019, yet Governor Hochul has proposed to cut funding for this successful program by 50%, down to $250 million, in her 2024-2025 executive budget proposal. To make drinking water safe and affordable for all New Yorkers, protect our environment, and create jobs, Governor Hochul and the legislature must restore full funding to the Clean Water Infrastructure Act in the final 2024-2025 NYS budget! Email Governor Hochul and legislative leaders today.

BACKGROUND

Since 2017, New York has invested $5 billion in the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, which has made significant progress in upgrading sewage treatment plants, filtering toxic contaminants out of drinking water, replacing lead drinking water pipes, replacing failing septic systems, protecting drinking water at its source, and more. This is helping to make drinking water safe and affordable, protect our environment, and create thousands of good jobs in every community across the state.

While progress is being made, now is not the time to turn off the tap on clean water infrastructure funding. The state has conservatively estimated that it will cost about $80 billion to upgrade our wastewater and drinking infrastructure over 20 years. This massive estimate does not include the cost of complying with two forthcoming federal regulations—the first will require New York to replace nearly 500,000 lead drinking water pipes over the course of a decade and the other will require an estimated 300 communities across NYS to remove toxic PFAS chemicals from drinking water. Complying with these important public health protections will cost billions of additional dollars. 

Governor Hochul and the legislature must continue to invest in the Clean Water Infrastructure Act to provide clean and affordable water for all New Yorkers. Governor Hochul and the legislature should provide $600 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act in the 2024-2025 NYS budget!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Protecting Northport Harbor with Rain Gardens!

Join us for a community forum to learn about two new planned rain gardens and how they will reduce polluted stormwater entering Northport Harbor

Rain Gardens, also referred to as “green infrastructure,” use natural landscapes and native plantings as a successful and cost-effective way to reduce flooding, save energy, prevent polluted runoff, and increase property values. 

Citizens Campaign for the Environment and the Village of Northport are working together to install two new rain gardens on Bluff Rd and James Street. There is already a successful functioning rain garden built in front of the Northport Yacht Club. Rain gardens prevent polluted stormwater runoff from reaching Northport Harbor and Long Island Sound. They capture, store, and filter contaminants while protecting the shoreline and harbor.  

Join us for a presentation on this beneficial new project, offer your feedback, and learn more about the importance of protecting Northport Harbor from polluted runoff. 

Date: 
Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Time:
7:00pm

Location:
Northport Village Hall, 224 Main Street, Northport

The event is free and open to the public — please register here.

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Update on the Campaign to Save the Western Bays!

 Join us for a public forum to get critical updates and some good news on:

• Restoring Western Bays water quality

• Status of Bay Park Conveyance Project (ocean outfall)

• Long Beach Sewer Treatment Plant Consolidation 

Join Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Operation SPLASH and The Nature Conservancy at the next Operation SPLASH meeting for new updates on restoring our Western Bays. After 15 years of advocacy, we have good news! 

The forum will review the scientific need for diverting sewage from the Western Bays, provide updates on the connection of the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility (Bay Park Sewage Plant) and Long Beach Sewage Treatment Plant to an existing ocean outfall pipe at the Cedar Creek Sewage Treatment Plant, and provide an overview of upgrades that already made to South Shore Water Reclamation Facility. There will be a panel discussion at the end to answer your important questions!

When:
Tuesday, April 2, @ 7:30pm

Where:
Operation SPLASH Building
202 Woodcleft Ave
Freeport, NY 11520

Speakers:
Representatives from the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), Nassau County, and Veolia
Adrienne Esposito, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Carl Lobue, The Nature Conservancy 
Rob Weltner, Operation SPLASH 

Background

The Western Bays are dying. The science has been very clear— treated sewage effluent entering into Reynolds Channel is choking our bays. For over a decade, we advocated for significant upgrades to the Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant and to divert the treated sewage to the ocean instead of the bay. New York State and Nassau County are advancing a monumental project, which is close to completion, known as The Bay Park Conveyance Project that uses an aqueduct under Sunrise Highway to connect the SSWRF and Long Beach Sewage Treatment Plant to an existing outfall pipe at the Cedar Creek Sewage Treatment Plant. This plan saves money and time—a win for the Western Bays and the public. 

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Help Support Offshore Wind

We’ve launched a petition to support transitioning from fossil fuels to offshore wind in NY—make your voice heard and sign today!

New York is on the front lines of climate change, and we are clearly seeing the effects of extreme weather events, flooding, and sea level rise in our communities. The most effective way to battle climate change is to break our addiction to fossil fuels and transition to clean energy sources!

Take action today to support transitioning from polluting fossil fuels towards renewable energy, especially offshore wind. As New York’s offshore wind power kicks into action, it’s a critical time to come out strong for a clean energy future. 

Please join us in urging Governor Hochul's administration to grow offshore wind in New York. It is crucial that we scale up offshore wind and expedite the development and approval of existing and upcoming offshore wind projects off our Atlantic coast in the New York Bight.

Sign the petition to tell Governor Hochul that you support moving forward quickly with the transition to offshore wind and creating the new green “wind-ustry” for New York.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Why Wind Works

Join Citizens Campaign for the Environment and the NY League of Conservation Voters Education Fund for a webinar on the new offshore wind projects coming to NY

In fall of 2023, New York State selected additional offshore wind farms as the winners of the state’s third competitive offshore wind solicitation. Combined, these new projects will generate 4,032 MW of electricity—enough to power 2 million homes. Once online, they will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by seven million metric tons annually and provide billions of dollars in health benefits by transitioning New York off of fossil fuels.

Join us to learn more about these new offshore wind projects and what benefits they bring to New York. Our forum will provide presentations from:

• Attentive Energy—developed by TotalEnergies, Rise Light & Power, and Corio Generation 

• Excelsior Wind—developed by Vineyard Offshore

• Community Offshore Wind—developed by RWE Offshore Renewables and National Grid Ventures

There will be an opportunity for Q & A with our panelists after the presentations.

Date: Monday, February 5, 2024 
Time: 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm 

This zoom event is free and open to the public. Make sure you save the date and register today.

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Learn More about Long Island’s Transition from Fossil Fuels to Offshore Wind

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) will be hosting free educational open houses on Long Island about offshore wind

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 has been a lot going on with offshore wind, including the selection of three new offshore wind projects that will power millions of homes—this is an opportunity to catch up on the latest news on offshore wind.

Join NYSERDA, New York State agencies, offshore wind project developers, and other industry partners to find out more about the ongoing work to develop offshore wind to advance the critical clean energy needed to meet New York’s Climate Act goals. These events are a great opportunity to get the latest offshore wind updates and to ask your questions to experts. The events are free, open to the public, and registration is not required.

Upcoming NYSERDA Open Houses:

Date: Tuesday, January 23, 2024
Time: 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Location: Hofstra University, Sondra and David S. Mack Student Center, Hempstead, NY 11549

Date: Wednesday, January 24, 2024
Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. ET
Location: Long Beach Public Library, 111 W Park Ave, Long Beach, NY 11561

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Join Us for a Community Meeting on 1,4-Dioxane

CCE, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, and the Yale Superfund Research Center will be hosting a free community meeting on January 25th to discuss the impacts of 1,4-dioxane in your community

Learn more about how you could potentially participate in Yale’s new health study looking at human exposure to this toxic chemical

1,4-Dioxane is an emerging contaminant of concern in Nassau and Suffolk Counties. This "forever chemical" has been used in industrial practices and was found in 80% of common household products that CCE had tested, including shampoo, body wash, laundry detergent, baby products, and dish soaps. The EPA has listed 1,4-dioxane as a carcinogen, but its effects on public health are still not well known. Unfortunately, Long Island has some of the highest levels of 1,4-dioxane in drinking water in the nation. 

The Yale Superfund Research Center is in the initial phase of investigating 1,4-dioxane exposure on human health in Long Island communities. CCE has partnered with Yale Superfund Research Center in a 1,4-dioxane health study for Long Island residents. This study seeks to engage Long Island residents to better understand the impact of 1,4-dioxane exposure on public health. We will be recruiting community members to participate in this drinking water and blood sample study.  

To learn more about this groundbreaking study, please join our community meeting with Assemblywoman Taylor Darling and the Yale Superfund Research Center. 

When: Thursday, January 25, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Hempstead Public Library, 115 James A. Garner Way, Hempstead, NY

Please Register Today!

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
All of us at CCE

HELP PROTECT OUR LONG ISLAND SOUND

Congress Needs to Pass the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act

As an Estuary of National Significance, the immense value of the Long Island Sound (LIS) cannot be overstated. Twenty million people live within 50 miles of the Sound’s beaches. Residents of New York and Connecticut depend on the Sound for recreational opportunities, including fishing, sailing, and swimming. LI Sound is a critical component to our regional economy, generating $8.25 billion annually.

Despite the Sound’s immense value, it has been degraded by pollution, toxic algae blooms, and other threats. However, we are making progress in the fight for clean water!  Funding provided by the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act helps to advance restoration, however, problems persist. The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023—Congress must act immediately to reauthorize this critical legislation to maintain progress in restoring the health of the Long Island Sound.  Email your two U.S. Senators and representative in the U.S. today and urge them to support the Long Island Sound Restoration and Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023, which will provide up to $65 million annually through 2028.

Background

History of the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act
In 1985, Congress created the Long Island Sound Study (LISS) to identify and address the major environmental problems affecting the Long Island Sound. The LISS is authorized at $40 million annually through the LIS Restoration Act. The LISS is a collaborative effort, which includes government agencies, not-for-profits, and individuals, all working to restore and protect the Sound and its watershed. Through the LISS, a bi-state Comprehensive Management Plan has been developed and is being implemented.

In 2006, Congress passed the Long Island Sound Stewardship Act, which is authorized at $25 million annually. This important legislation identifies key areas surrounding the Sound and provides funding for preservation and public access improvements.

These critically important acts were later combined to create the Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act, which provides up to $65 million annually in federal funding for LIS restoration. The Long Island Sound Stewardship and Restoration Act expired in 2023—it is critically important that Congress act now to reauthorize this important program!

Progress Has Been Made, but More Work Remains
Federal funding spurred progress in restoring the Sound—reducing nitrogen pollution, reducing hypoxia (low levels of oxygen that cannot sustain marine life), improving water quality, and restoring habitat throughout the LIS watershed. There have been 2,239 acres of coastal habitat restored, 5232.35 acres of ecologically important habitat preserved, and 432.9 miles of new fish passage created. Pods of dolphins can be spotted in the Sound during summer months, which is another key indicator of progress.

Although progress has been made, more needs to be done. Hypoxia still persists in summer months, toxic algae blooms are found in harbors and bays, nitrogen from antiquated septic systems are polluting waters, and polluted stormwater runoff continues to contaminate waters and close beaches.

LIS Funding is in Jeopardy
The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Act authorization expired in 2023, putting future funding for critical programs to protect and restore the Sound in limbo. Reauthorization of the LIS Restoration & Stewardship Act is needed to provide adequate funding to continue programs needed to protect public health, our local economy, and quality of life.       

The Long Island Sound Restoration & Stewardship Reauthorization Act of 2023, which would reauthorize the program at $65 million annually through 2028, was recently introduced in the House and Senate. Congress must pass this legislation immediately and fully fund the LIS program!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

Pollinators Protected in New York!

Image by Hans Benn from Pixabay

Governor Hochul signs bill to ban dangerous and unnecessary uses of neonic pesticides into law!

Scientists have documented a global decline in honeybee populations since 2006. 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 harmful neonicotinoid (A.K.A. “neonics”) pesticides. Not only do neonics threaten bee populations, but they are also very pervasive in soil and drinking water sources. To protect our pollinators, food production, and environment, New York has restricted the use of toxic neonics. 

New York Bans Dangerous and Unnecessary Uses of Neonics
Corn, soy, and wheat treated seeds account for an estimated 73% of all neonics used in New York, while lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf (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 pose some of the highest risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives.

The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.1856A/A.7640) bans the most dangerous and unnecessary uses of neonics in NY. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, helping to protect water quality and ensure we are not poisoning birds, bees, and other pollinators. The European Union and parts of Canada have already banned many uses of neonics, and now New York has acted with nation-leading legislation. In June, the NYS Legislature passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act, and Governor Hochul signed the bill into law on December 22, 2023. The ban on neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds takes effect on January 1, 2029 and the ban on ornamental uses takes effect on July 1, 2027.

Background

What are Neonicotinoids?
Neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”) are pesticides that attack the nervous system of insects. These pesticides are typically added to seeds of plants, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans. These chemicals persist and spread as the plant grows, making the entire plant toxic to bees and other pollinators. Neonics are also used for cosmetic purposes, including lawn and ornamental uses. Despite the adverse impacts of neonics, they remain as the world’s most widely used insecticide.

Why Pollinators Matter
Pollinators, such as honeybees, beetles, butterflies, moths, and hummingbirds, are indispensable components of our food web. Globally, animal and insect pollinators contribute to up to 35% of all food production, with 87 of the leading 115 crops dependent on these key pollinators. In New York, pollinators provide an estimated $440 million in pollination services annually and are essential to key state crops like apples, blueberries, cherries, squash and tomatoes. Without honeybees and other pollinators, we will experience smaller harvests and higher food prices for staple crops.

Pollinators Under Threat
Unfortunately, our pollinators are under threat from harmful neonics. Neonics have made U.S. agriculture 48-times more harmful to insects since they were introduced. The coating on just one neonic-coated seed has enough neonic active ingredient to kill a songbird or a quarter million bees.

Since 2006, beekeepers have been reporting abandoned beehives that are full of honey. This phenomenon of bees disappearing, known as colony collapse disorder, is linked directly to neonic use. For years, New York beekeepers have been reporting massive die-offs, with losses of over 45%.

Pesticides and Drinking Water
Pesticide contamination of New York’s waters is widespread, threatening our health and environment. A U.S. Fish and Wildlife study from 2018 found neonics in New York streams “in excess of toxicity and regulatory thresholds.” In 2016, extensive testing of New York surface waters by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) found the neonic imidacloprid in nearly 40% of samples. That same year, USGS monitoring found imidacloprid to be one of the most frequently detected pesticides in the Long Island aquifer.

Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Happy Holidays from CCE!

Looking back at a successful 2023—we couldn’t have done it without your support!

Happy holidays from everyone at CCE! 2023 has been another successful year as we fought to protect clean water, battle climate change, ban dangerous pesticides, and so much more. Here are some of our top accomplishments from the past year:

• Offshore wind becomes a reality in New York: After many years of persistent advocacy from CCE, the first offshore wind turbines at the South Fork Wind Farm have been constructed—bringing clean, renewable energy to Long Island.

• Funding the restoration of Long Island Sound and the Great Lakes: Despite threats of cuts from Congress, we were able to maintain funding for the Long Island Sound Restoration Act and Great Lakes Restoration Initiative.

• Got lead pipes? Now you’ll know: There is no safe level of lead in drinking water. A new NYS law creates an inventory of all the lead pipes across the state and gives residents the right to know if they are drinking water that may be contaminated with lead. 

• Fixing our sewage and drinking water infrastructure: We helped to secure $500 million in NYS to prevent sewage spills into waterways and to remove dangerous emerging contaminants from drinking water.

• New York becoming a national leader in giving the public the right-to-know about PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water: After years of advocacy, NYS will soon require the testing of 23 additional PFAS chemicals in drinking water, while requiring prompt public notification when it is discovered. Additionally, we are continuing to support proposed national standards to limit PFAS in drinking water to the maximum extent possible.

• Matching an all-time high for the NYS Environmental Protection Fund: Once again, we successfully advocated for a $400 million NYS EPF, which will help restore the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound, build community parks and save family farms across the state, advance environmental justice in disadvantaged communities, and so much more.

While we celebrate all the success we’ve achieved with your support, we recognize there is so much more work to do in the year ahead. We still await a decision from Governor Hochul on whether she will sign legislation to save bees by banning dangerous uses of toxic neonic pesticides. We need to move forward aggressively with more offshore wind to fight climate change. We also need to make corporations reduce their plastic packaging waste that is polluting our Great Lakes and Atlantic Ocean. We won’t be able to do this without your support, so please make an end of year donation today! Happy holidays and thank you for everything you do!

Happy Holidays,
All of us at CCE

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE THE BEES!

Time is Running Out for Governor Hochul to Ban Toxic Neonic Pesticides in New York!

In June, the NYS legislature passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act with overwhelming support. On Tuesday, the bill was finally delivered to Governor Hochul. This started a 10-day clock for her to either sign or veto this landmark legislation. This bill would protect our pollinators from the most dangerous and toxic pesticide since DDT, neonicotinoids (A.K.A. “neonics”). Neonics kill bees, pollute water, and harm our health! Even if you’ve taken action in the past, we once again need your help in calling on Governor Hochul to sign this monumental legislation. Time is running out and we need YOUR help today!

Email Governor Hochul TODAY and tell her to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act!

The Birds and Bees Protection Act (S.1856A/A.7640) would ban neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds; as well as cosmetic uses of neonics on lawns, gardens, and ornamental plants. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators from this toxic pesticide. Neonics are contaminating surface and ground water across the state, often found at high levels. This toxic pesticide is threatening drinking water quality and our health. We need Governor Hochul to sign this crucial legislation into law! Email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act.

Background:

Pollinators, such as honeybees, 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 largely added as a seed coating to plants, such as corn, wheat, and soybeans and 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. There are currently 117 pesticides found in Long Island’s groundwater, with neonics being one of the most prevalent pesticide detected. 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.  Lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf (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 pose a high risk to pollinators but are easily replaced with safer alternatives. These uses are unnecessary and must be banned to protect our pollinators.

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

Why Wind Works

Join us on November 30th for a virtual lunch and learn forum on Why Wind Works for New York

There has been a lot going on with offshore wind over the past year and we understand it may be hard to keep current! If you want important news and facts, then please join us for the upcoming Lunch and Learn entitled Why Wind Works, hosted by Citizens Campaign for the Environment and New York League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

Join us and a panel of experts to provide facts on why offshore wind works, why it is needed in our state, and what benefits it brings to several regions throughout New York. Learn more about the environmental impacts of offshore wind and the programs to protect marine life and our oceans as we move forward with this renewable energy infrastructure.

Our expert panel will include speakers from:

• U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM)

• NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA)

• NY State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

There will be an opportunity for Q & A with our expert panelists after the presentation.

Date: Thursday, November 30, 2023
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

This event is free and open to the public. Make sure you save the date and register today.

Thank you for joining us.

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

IMPORTANT UPDATE: SUFFOLK COUNTY LEGISLATURE MAJORITY WILL NOT ALLOW CLEAN WATER REFERENDUM THIS YEAR

Tell the Suffolk County Legislature we deserve the right to vote for clean water!

The Suffolk County Legislature failed to pass legislation that would simply allow the public to vote on a clean water ballot referendum this November. After 10 years of crafting a bi-partisan clean water restoration plan, this is a tragic disappointment for our environment and public health!

Untreated sewage is polluting our drinking and coastal waters. Nitrogen pollution from sewage is responsible for massive fish kills, turtle die offs, toxic algae blooms, and beach closings across Suffolk County. The science is clear; the majority of the nitrogen pollution in our waterways comes from outdated sewage and septic systems. Upgrading our sewage and septic infrastructure is necessary to restore the health of our bays, harbors and drinking water!

This year, the New York State budget included language allowing Suffolk County to create a unified wastewater management district and to hold a ballot referendum which would allow residents to vote on clean water funding. We needed the Suffolk Legislature to vote yes to put this issue on the ballot so that Suffolk residents could decide this November if an increase of 1/8 of a penny in sales tax should be dedicated to protecting water resources.  Funding would be used only for expanding sewers and installing upgraded nitrogen-removing septic systems.

Despite a decade of work to get here and a large coalition of environmentalists, labor unions, chambers of commerce, civic organizations, and local businesses coming together in support, the Suffolk Majority voted no in July. The deadline to pass the legislation that would let us vote on clean water this year has passed.

Here is how Suffolk Legislators voted on whether they would allow a clean water ballot initiative in November:

1.  Al Krupski - Yes

2. Bridget Fleming - Yes

3. James Mazzarella - Absent

4. Nick Caracappa - No

6. Sarah Anker - Yes

7. Dominick Thorne - No

8. Anthony Piccirillo - No

9. Samuel Gonzalez - Yes

10. Trish Bergin - No

11. Steven Flotteron – No

12. Leslie Kennedy – No

13. Rob Trotta – No

14. Kevin McCaffrey – No

15. Jason Richberg – Yes

16. Manuel Esteban – No

17. Tom Donnelly – Yes

18. Stephanie Bontempi - No

The public was denied the right to vote on clean water this year. This was a huge disappointment, but we’re never done fighting for clean water. Let members of the Suffolk Legislature know that you demand the right to vote for clean water and urge him to move forward with a referendum as soon as possible.

Background

Suffolk is 74% unsewered, with 360,000 homes relying on antiquated septic and cesspool technology to treat wastewater. The impacts of nitrogen pollution from inadequately treated sewage are appearing in virtually every bay, harbor, freshwater lake, and pond in the county.

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) cites algal blooms and nitrogen from sewage as the primary reasons many LI water bodies are impaired. The numerous fish and turtle die-offs in our estuaries over the last decade were found to be caused mainly by nitrogen pollution from sewage. Moreover, some toxic algal blooms constitute a serious threat to human health, such as Blue-Green Algae in lakes and ponds.  Long Island has the greatest frequency of Blue-Green Algae in the entire state.

After years of study, Suffolk County released a plan which details the sources of nitrogen pollution entering all 191 subwatersheds in the county and provides a pathway to restoring our waterways to a healthy condition. The study found the primary cause of nitrogen pollution in our waterways to be sewage from antiquated sewers and septic systems. The Subwatersheds Plan provides a pathway to replace outdated cesspools and septic systems with advanced on-site systems and, where appropriate, improving and expanding sewer systems. The longer we wait to implement these changes, the more expensive and difficult our water quality problems will be to fix.  In order to fully implement this plan, we will need a unified wastewater management district and dedicated funding stream to implement these clean water projects.

Thank you for taking action.

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

No Bees, No Pumpkins!

Celebrate National Pumpkin Day tomorrow by Urging Governor Hochul to Sign the Birds & Bees Protection Act!

On Thursday, October 26, celebrate National Pumpkin Day by joining in on the action to save the bees! Pumpkins rely on bees for pollination, without bees we wouldn’t have pumpkins. Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining at an alarming rate. This rise in bee deaths has largely been linked to the explosive increase and ubiquitous use of the systemic pesticide, neonicotinoids (“neonics”). To protect the bees, environment, and public health from this toxic pesticide, the NYS Legislature passed the Birds and Bees Protection Act, which bans certain uses of neonics that provide no benefit to users but pose the highest risk to bees. Now the bill is waiting to be signed by NYS Governor Kathy Hochul. Join us on National Pumpkin Day in calling on Governor Hochul to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act! Check out our social media toolkit for ideas on how you can get involved!

Date: Thursday, October 26, 2023
Time: All Day
Location: All Social Media Platforms—X, Facebook, and Instagram, to name a few.

Neonics are proving to be the most environmentally harmful pesticide since DDT. The Birds and Bees Protection Act would ban neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds and ban ornamental and turf neonic uses. This will eliminate at least 85% - 90% of all neonics used in New York, protect water quality, and ensure we are not poisoning our birds, bees, and pollinators from this toxic pesticide!

Thank you for taking action.

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 on October 10th 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, October 10, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) are co-hosting a virtual educational presentation to discuss the significant problems with artificial turf.

Topics include:

• Adverse impacts to water quality, public health and safety, and our environment

• Microplastic pollution caused by artificial turf

• A closer look at how ubiquitous turf fields are on Long Island, and how that can impact local water quality

• What can we do to address the problem, including policy solutions 

Join us to hear from experts and have the opportunity to ask questions. This event is free and open to the public.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, October 10
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual presentation on Zoom. Register today!
Speakers:

• Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, CCE

• Liam de Haan, University of Barcelona

• Matt Simon, science writer at Wired magazine

• Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy, PEER 

• Monica I. Mercola, Environmental Legal Fellow, PEER 

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Support Offshore Wind for Long Island and New York State!

Join us for Public Hearings on Empire Wind 2 on October 11th

Let NY State know why you support transitioning from fossil fuels to offshore wind – your voice matters!

Empire Wind 2 will be located off the coast of Long Beach City and will generate 1,260 megawatts (MW) of electricity for Long Island, enough for 600,000+ homes. Energy will be delivered to the south shore via a cable connection to a substation in Island Park. 

This is one of five offshore wind projects selected by New York State that will bring us nearly halfway to NY’s mandate of 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035. It will also help us reach our critical renewable energy and greenhouse gas reduction targets in NY’s climate law, while bringing green jobs and community benefits to the region. 

As part of the approval process for these offshore wind farms, the NYS Public Service Commission (PSC) specifically looks at the impact of the cable connection both offshore in NY waters and onshore.  

On October 11th, the PSC will be holding public information sessions followed by public hearings on Empire Wind 2 and the cable connection. Long Island residents will have the opportunity to voice their support for offshore wind.

Long Beach, Island Park and all of Long Island’s south shore communities are on the front lines of climate change. We need to be leaders in the fight for renewable energy. Come show up, stand up, and speak up on the importance of fighting climate change and transitioning to renewable energy.

Date:
Wednesday, October 11, 2023

Times:
Information Forum 1:00pm; Public Statement Hearing 2:00pm
Information Forum 5:30pm; Public Statement Hearing 6:30pm

Where:
City of Long Beach, City Hall Community Chamber, 6th Floor, 1 West Chester St., Long Beach, NY

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely, 
All of us at CCE

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

Image by congerdesign from Pixabay

Join CCE and PEER on October 10th 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, October 10, Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) are co-hosting a virtual educational presentation to discuss the significant problems with artificial turf. Topics include:

• Adverse impacts to water quality, public health and safety, and our environment

• Microplastic pollution caused by artificial turf

• A closer look at how ubiquitous turf fields are on Long Island, and how that can impact local water quality

• What can we do to address the problem, including policy solutions

Join us to hear from experts and have the opportunity to ask questions. This event is free and open to the public.

Event Details:

Date: Tuesday, October 10
Time: 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual presentation on Zoom. Register today!
Speakers:

• Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director, CCE

• Matt Simon, science writer at Wired magazine

• Kyla Bennett, PhD, JD, Director of Science Policy, PEER

• Monica I. Mercola, Environmental Legal Fellow, PEER

Thank you for joining us!

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE