CCE in the News

All things political: How to replace local revenue lost to COVID-19

All things political: How to replace local revenue lost to COVID-19

Yes, Long Island is slowly recovering from the devastating financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the three-month shutdown of our public and private sectors has left the local economy in disarray. Nassau County’s 2020 projected deficit was recently revised upwards another $100 million to a stunning $384 million. And Suffolk County’s COVID-19 Fiscal Impact Task Force projected a deficit of close to $1.5 billion over the next three years. If you drill down further, Long Island’s towns, villages, and cities are also on fiscally shaky ground.

Drinking water standards decision pushed to July due to COVID-19

Drinking water standards decision pushed to July due to COVID-19

The much-anticipated but oft-delayed setting of drinking water standards for new contaminants was pushed back again when the Department of Health last week postponed another meeting of the Public Health and Health Planning Council. The blame, as with many things nowadays, is being put on the coronavirus.

Virus slows down, alters some environmental protections

Virus slows down, alters some environmental protections

Environmental initiatives are among the lesser-noted casualties of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some are losing ground temporarily and some may be altered for the foreseeable future.

A court-ordered delay in enforcing the state’s new ban on plastic shopping bags was prolonged when the court system, operating remotely, set aside all but essential cases. Some stores had refused to accept bottles for redemption, and recycling was suspended in some localities.

Earth Day goes viral

Earth Day goes viral

For environmentalists, Earth Day is an annual high point, an opportunity to expand the environmental coalition by reaching out beyond those active in the task of protecting the planet.

But in the year of the coronavirus, with social distancing and sheltering in place, the highly anticipated 50th anniversary of Earth Day is a more “somber” occasion, as several local environmentalists put it.

Discarded masks and gloves are becoming a health hazard as people dump them on streets

Discarded masks and gloves are becoming a health hazard as people dump them on streets

During a walk around his block in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Mark Benfield was struck by how many discarded gloves and masks he saw on his short route.

The Louisiana State University professor, who focuses on microplastic pollution, decided to track the waste he saw with pictures geotagged to the location where he spotted it.

Rock to Rock holding events

Rock to Rock holding events

NEW HAVEN — Rock to Rock is transitioning to a virtual event to celebrate the 50th Earth Day, to take real action in response to the climate emergency, and to raise critical support for local environmental organizations, while respecting important public health guidance about social distancing. Partner organizations brainstormed for ways to allow individuals/families to participate in safe actions while supporting the dozens of nonprofits who rely on this event to raise funds for their critical efforts to save the planet. One new action Rock to Rock is taking is partnering with New Haven Climate Movement to invite residents to participate in an at-home Earth Day Festival, which will include yard decorating, sign making, online Green New Deal rally, youth led Kahoot game and a guided reflection, April 21-22.