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

Highlights and Happenings: November 2021

Image by Tracey O'Brien from Pixabay

Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. Make a contribution today.

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Highlights

President Signs Infrastructure Bill! 

On November 15, President Joe Biden signed the bipartisan infrastructure bill, paving the way for historic investments in replacing dangerous lead drinking water pipes ($15 billion), restoring the Great Lakes ($1 billion) and Long Island Sound ($106 million), plugging abandoned oil and gas wells that leak toxic chemicals and methane ($4.7 billion), and more! The law will help provide clean drinking water, support environmental justice for disadvantage communities, fight climate change, and create thousands and thousands of good jobs! 

U.S. House Passes Build Back Better Act! 

The Build Back Better Act (BBBA) would invest a historic $555 billion to fight climate change by investing in renewable energy, expanding electric vehicles, and creating a thriving green energy economy. The bill would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 52% by 2030 and includes significant investments in fixing water infrastructure, remediating toxic sites, protecting marine habitats and more. In November, we joined with our friends New York League of Conservation Voters and labor to urge the US House of Representatives to vote YES on the BBBA. We are thrilled to announce the House has passed BBBA and we will keep pushing the US Senate to ensure we get this critical bill passed this year. 

Victory! Governor Hochul Signs Coal Tar Sealant Ban into Law 

Coal tar sealants are commonly used in parking lots to “beautify” asphalt every few years. It contains high amounts of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), a known carcinogen. Within just a month the coal tar sealant is worn away and scraped off by car tires, and pieces are washed into storm drains and pollute rivers, lakes, and streams. After a decade of fighting to ban these unnecessary, harmful products New York’s ban on coal tar sealant has been signed into law! Thank you to Governor Hochul and our bill champions, Senator Sanders and Assemblywoman Rosenthal. 

Victory! NY’s First Offshore Wind Farm Gets Federal Approval 

In November, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued a Record of Decision on South Fork Wind Farm, the 130MW project off the coast of Montauk that will power the South Fork of Long Island and offsets the need for a new fossil fuel plant. LIPA selected this project in 2016 and we have been working hard to ensure that the wind farm and cable connection are done in an environmentally responsible manner while providing clean energy for tens of thousands of Long Island homes. We could not be more excited that this project has been issued this Record of Decision and that construction is set to start next year! A giant thank you to all our Wind Works Long Island partners and all of you who have wrote letters, made calls, and signed petitions in support of NY’s first offshore wind farm. 

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Happenings

Protecting NY’s Water from Forever Chemicals 

We joined our friends at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) to give New Yorkers a virtual tour of potential PFAS pollution in waterways around the state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates that some 3,500 industrial facilities “may be handling” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across New York, a number that carries troubling implications for controlling the spread of these toxic “forever chemicals” in our environment and water supplies. PEER obtained the list of industrial facilities from EPA through a lawsuit (involving PFAS manufacture, import, handling, or storage) and has developed an interactive, online map of those facilities and joined us for a virtual tour to discuss the sources of PFAS contamination, how this chemical is impacting our waterways and public health in NY, and what we can do to fight back. 

Saying NO to Long Island’s Solar Tax 

The Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) is considering an ill-advised tax on solar customers that would disincentivize homeowners from going solar and penalize existing homes that have already switched to reusable energy. As we fight to meet our ambitious NY renewable energy goals, including 70% renewables by 2030 and 6,000 MW of solar by 2025, it is absurd to unjustly burden the Long Islanders who chose to go solar and are already doing their part to help improve air quality and public health in our communities. In November we rallied with NYS Senators Kevin Thomas, John Brooks, and Jim Gaughran, along with our allies, in the fight for clean energy to demand LIPA kill the proposed solar tax. 

Giving Thanks to Bees, Butterflies, and Pollinators 

This November, as we all gathered around the table for Thanksgiving dinner it is important to remember and give thanks to the bees, butterflies, and pollinators that made it all possible. Pollinators provide an estimated $439 million worth of pollination services to top New York State crops like apples, squash, tomatoes, blueberries, strawberries, cherries, and pears. Unfortunately, pollinator populations have been decreasing. The decline in pollinators is largely linked to the unnecessary overuse of neonicotinoid pesticides. Corn, soy, and wheat neonic treated seeds account for approximately 73% of all neonics used in NY, and lawn, garden, ornamental, and turf uses make up an additional 15% yet provide no net benefit. Help us eliminate these low benefit/high risk uses of neonics by signing a petition in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act here. 

Highlights and Happenings: October 2021

Image by Julia Hanf from Pixabay 

Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. Make a contribution today.

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Highlights

Victory! NY Votes Yes for Clean Water and Air! 

This fall, New Yorkers had the historic opportunity to establish the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment in the Bill of Rights of the New York State Constitution. We joined the Vote YES for Clean Air and Water coalition to establish the highest legal protection available under law to protect public health and the environment. This initiative creates legal safeguards for New Yorkers to secure clean air and water for generations to come. Thank you to everyone who went out to the polls and votes YES for clean air and water. 

Victory: Full Protections Restored to the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts National Monument!

We applaud President Biden for restoring protections to the Atlantic’s only Marine National Monument. This area off the coast of New England will be protected from commercial fishing and offshore drilling, while ensuring safe, pristine ocean habitat that will benefit whales, dolphins and other marine life for generations to come. The monument serves as a living laboratory for scientific exploration and discovery, with two new species of coral discovered on just one recent expedition! 

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Happenings

Combatting PFAS Contamination in Connecticut 

In October, we hosted a virtual forum on PFAS, the “forever chemical” found in waters across the state and the nation. The forum was designed to educate our CT members on the most up-to-date science and efforts currently underway at the state level to protect public health from these toxic chemicals. The program featured expert guest speakers from Clean Water Action and Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), as well as an overview of the new PFAS law by State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg (D-Westport). Watch the full virtual forum here. 

Developing a Shared Vision for Clean Water in New York 

For the fifth year, we convened a broad, diverse group of stakeholders from around the state for our annual Clean Water Roundtable. This group of environmental leaders, water suppliers, wastewater treatment operators, environmental justice organizations, construction contractors, and other clean water stakeholders work together to develop a list of shared priorities for clean water in New York State. Roundtable participants heard from NYS Deptartment of Environmental Conservation Commissioner, Basil Seggos, as well as from experts who gave presentations on drinking and wastewater infrastructure needs, emerging contaminants, source water protection, and lead drinking water pipes. Based on the presentation and subsequent discussion, we will be creating a collaborative action plan our diverse group can work together to achieve in 2022, so stay tuned! 

Fighting for Clean Air in NY and CT 

The transportation sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and accounts for about 29% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) is a regional approach—among Northeast states—to addressing the pollution and climate change emissions from the transportation sector. The TCI would 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, such as expanded public transportation, more zero emission vehicles, making communities bike-friendly, and more. We are working to advance TCI in NY and CT. Find out how you can help here. 

Celebrating Long Island’s Largest Sewer Expansion in nearly 50 Years 

We are thrilled to announce that ground was broken in October on the Carlls River sewer project! We were proud to stand with Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, Assemblywoman Kimberly Jean-Pierre, Suffolk Legislators, and our environmental and labor partners to celebrate the Long Island's largest sewer expansion project in decades. This project is critical to achieve our goals of reducing nitrogen pollution, restoring water quality, and improving coastal resiliency. 

Cutting Climate Pollution in Downstate NY 

One major obstacle to meeting NY’s ambitious Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s mandates is that there is a “tale of two grids” In NYS. Upstate uses 88% zero-emission resources but only represents 1/3rd of the energy load, while downstate is 2/3rds of the load and uses 69% fossil fuels. NYC presents a unique challenge to achieving CLCPA goals and is very reliant on fossil fuels, with outdated local peaker plants polluting disadvantaged communities. In October, the state selected two projects - a 1300MW transmission line to bring wind and solar from upstate to the NY metro area and a transmission line to bring existing Canadian hydropower to the NYC grid – to help ensure that we meet our renewable energy goals. Last month, we co-hosted a public virtual forum on the Clean Path project and had a meeting with Hydro-Quebec to discuss these two critical projects. Learn more and view our virtual forums on both projects here. 

How Was Long Island’s Water Quality for Summer 2021? 

Want to know more about the health of Long Island's waters this year? We joined Dr. Chris Gobler, The Nature Conservancy in New York, and Suffolk Deputy County Executive Pete Scully to discuss what impairments we saw in our bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers at the release of the 2021 Long Island Water Quality Impairments map. Nitrogen pollution has once again caused harmful algal blooms, fish kills, depleted oxygen, and other problems in nearly every waterbody on the island. Efforts to reduce nitrogen from sewage has led to improved water quality in some areas, while many of our waterways saw worsening toxic tides due to excessive nitrogen pollution. 

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

Ensure your right to clean water, clean air, and a healthy environment

Don’t forget to flip over your ballot and vote YES on proposition 2!

Election Day is November 2, with early voting starting on October 23

New Yorkers have the historic opportunity to establish the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment in the Bill of Rights of the New York State Constitution. It depends on you, and we need your help this election!

This election season (election day is November 2, and early voting in New York State begins on October 23), voters across New York State will have the opportunity to vote YES on proposition 2. Proposition 2, which will be found on the back of your ballot, simply states: “Each person shall have the right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.”

Why do we need a constitutional right to clean air and water?

Tragically, millions of New Yorkers are currently exposed to toxic chemicals in air and water, and it is making us sick. Every year, air and water pollution contribute to 6,000 premature deaths in New York, as well as elevated rates of asthma, heart disease, cancers, and other harmful health effects. Across the state, we are facing the loss of critical habitats and natural resources while polluters continue to harm the health of our communities, particularly low-income communities and communities of color. Now is our opportunity to fight back and ensure that every decision our government makes, from passing legislation to issuing a business a permit, would not violate any resident’s right to breathe clean air and drink clean water.

Voting YES on environmental rights will create legal safeguards to secure clean air and water for all New Yorkers—regardless of your zip code, race, or income—for generations to come. To learn more about the campaign and pledge to vote YES for clean water and air, visit https://www.ourairourwaterny.org/.

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely, 
Your friends at CCE

Join Us for a National Symposium on 1,4-Dioxane this Friday

Find out from the experts what is being done to combat this emerging contaminant in our nation’s drinking water. Now FREE to CCE Members.

The Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists is hosting a Virtual Environmental Symposium on 1,4-Dioxane to discuss how hidden carcinogen 1,4-dioxane ends up in drinking water and what is being done around the country to protect our water resources and public health. New York was the first state to ban 1,4-dioxane in products and now has a state drinking water standard, but there is still no national policy to reduce 1,4-dioxane contamination and wells across the country have tested positive for this dangerous chemical. 1,4-Dioxane is found in 80% of personal care products, including shampoos, bath gels, dish soap, laundry detergent, and even baby products. To hear the cutting-edge science on the emerging contaminant and learn from experts on-the-ground how we can fight back to protect our water, join us this Friday. 

The event is normally $100 but is now FREE to CCE’s supporters. Click here to register with your email and use the code AEGCCE for a free ticket.

When: Friday, October 22, 2021 from 1:00-5:00pm

Schedule: 

• 1:00-1:50pm - Joan Smyth - Keynote: 1,4 Dioxane – In Consumer Products, Landfill Leachate and Surface Water

• 2:00-2:25pm - Kyla Bennett - Just Because It’s Legal Doesn’t Mean It’s Safe: The Case of 1,4-Dioxane

• 2:30-2:55pm - Adrienne Esposito - Long Island Citizens React to Nation’s Highest Level of   Dioxane in Drinking Water Wells

• 3:00-3:15pm - Break

• 3:15-3:40pm - Gary Smith - 1,4-Dioxane in Groundwater: Emerging Contaminant Concerns

• 3:45-4:10pm - Gary Smith - 1,4-Dioxane Remediation in Groundwater: A Worldwide Remediation Technology Survey

• 4:15-4:40pm - Arjun Venkatesan - Innovative and Alternative Treatment Technologies to Mitigate 1,4-Dioxane Contamination in the Long Island, New York Water Cycle

• 4:45-5:00pm - Discussion

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

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Join us: Virtual forum on forever chemicals

Attend a virtual forum on October 19th to learn more

You are invited to attend a 1-hour virtual forum about how toxic PFAS chemicals affect our health and contaminate our water. Learn about the most current science from a panel of leading experts, and find out what Connecticut is doing to protect our water from these toxic chemicals!

PFAS (sometimes referred to as “forever chemicals,” due to their persistence in soil and water) can be found in a variety of non-stick and water-resistant products including some food packaging, textiles, and certain firefighting foams. PFAS chemicals can build up in the human body and contribute to a range of adverse health impacts.

Attend our virtual event on Tuesday, October 19, from 7:00 - 8:00pm. Guest speakers include CT State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg and Kyla Bennett, Director of Science at Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). The program will conclude with a Q&A panel with our featured guests. We want to hear from you! 

Virtual Community Forum:

When: Tuesday, October 19, 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Where: Zoom Meetings (Click here to register today)

This event is being cosponsored by Citizens Campaign for the Environment and Clean Water Action.

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

Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE

Highlights and Happenings: September 2021

Image by PublicDomainPictures from Pixabay

Help CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT. Make a contribution today.

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Highlights

Celebrating Our Equinox Gala 

We had an amazing night celebrating 36 years of grassroots accomplishments with our partners, supporters, and friends at our annual Equinox Gala. This year we were overjoyed to honor NY Senator Todd Kaminsky and NY Assemblyman Steve Englebright for their leadership in passing critical legislation to fight climate change, protect drinking water, combat plastic pollution, ban emerging contaminants, preserve open space, and more. A huge thank you to everyone who came out and made the night so unforgettable! 

Offshore Wind in New York Hits New Milestones 

September was another big month for offshore wind in New York. The state has already selected five offshore wind farms, which together, will get NY halfway to its goal of 9,000 MW of offshore wind by 2035. Each of these five projects will go through a full environmental review with opportunities for public comment before construction can begin. In September, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) kicked off the scoping process for the Sunrise Wind project, which will be located 30 miles off Montauk and bring clean power to 600,000 Long Island homes. Thanks to everyone who participated in the virtual public meetings and submitted comments in favor of this important offshore wind project. Also thank you to everyone who weighed in on designated new wind energy areas in the New York Bight at the beginning of the month. We cannot achieve 9,000 MW of offshore wind without these new designated areas for wind turbines! 

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Happenings

Protect Our Pollinators from Toxic Pesticides 

Declining honeybee populations and contamination of New York’s water resources from neonic pesticides is widespread, threatening our health and environment across the state. Neonic treated corn, soy, and wheat seeds, as well as ornamental uses, pose an unnecessary risk to pollinators and our environment, while providing no net benefit to farmers and gardeners. In September, we were in Albany fighting to protect our birds, bees, water, and public health from toxic neonic pesticides. We joined our partners for a press event prior to testifying at the NYS Assembly hearing highlighting the need to ban the most dangerous and unnecessary uses of neonics through passage of the Birds and Bees Protection Act! 

Fighting for Clean Air in NY and CT 

Burning fossil fuels, including gasoline and diesel, releases greenhouse gas and other harmful air pollutants into the atmosphere. The transportation sector is the largest contributor of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. and accounts for about 29% of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. The Transportation Climate Initiative (TCI) is a regional approach to addressing the pollution and climate change emissions from the transportation sector. New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and the District of Columbia are working to tackle the massive challenge of reducing climate pollution from the transportation sector on a regional level. This unprecedented collaboration seeks to improve transportation, develop a clean energy economy, and reduce carbon emissions from transportation, but we need our elected leaders in NY and CT to sign on and work towards adopting TCI in our states. Find out how you can help here. 

Building Long Island’s Offshore Wind Supply Chain 

We joined many of our #WindworksLI partners for a conference held by Congressman Tom Suozzi on Long Island's Offshore Wind Supply Chain in September. In addition to fighting climate change and playing a major role in transitioning NY from fossil fuels to renewables, offshore wind also presents an unprecedented opportunity to grow a green economy and 21st century jobs in New York. It was a great opportunity to discuss Long Island's growing offshore wind industry with leading suppliers, manufacturers, labor leaders, and environmentalists. If you missed it, you can watch a video of the conference here. 

Vote Yes for Clean Water and Air! 

This fall, New Yorkers will have the historic opportunity to establish the right to clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment into the Bill of Rights of the New York State constitution. We have joined the Vote YES for Clean Air and Water coalition to establish the highest legal protection available under law to protect public health and the environment. This election season, registered voters across New York State will be able to vote YES to guarantee: “Each person shall have the right to clean air and water, and a healthful environment.” Voting YES on environmental rights will create legal safeguards for New Yorkers to secure clean air and water for generations to come. And we’ll need your help to get the word out to voters from the Adirondacks to the Great Lakes to Long Island Sound and everywhere in between. Click here to learn more about the campaign and pledge to vote YES for clean water and air! 

Celebrating Climate Week 

What a great Climate Week from September 20-26! We were thrilled to join Governor Kathy Hochul, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, elected leaders, and community stakeholders to celebrate the grand opening of the Environmental Education and Resiliency Center at Hempstead Lake State Park on Long Island. It was a great ribbon cutting for the fantastic new nature center. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul for her leadership on fighting climate change. 

Be on the Watch for Harmful Algal Blooms 

As the weather begins to get warmer, and we start spending more time outside and lakeside, it is important to be aware of dangerous harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs pose an immense threat to our communities’ drinking water, public health, outdoor recreation and wildlife! HABs are erupting across NY more frequently and more aggressively—in 2020, over 900 HABs were present in NY waterbodies. If you see a HAB in a lake or waterbody (looks like spilled green paint or pea soup), be sure to avoid it and report it using the DEC Suspicious Algal Bloom Report Form! 

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Upcoming: Lunch and Learn Virtual Series – Clean Path NY 

We’ve teamed up with the New York League of Conservation Voters to offer a series of virtual public education forums that will explore clean energy proposals to potentially bring energy to downstate New York. To achieve our NYS goal of 70% renewable energy by 2030, we will need a wide range of large-scale renewable energy projects to deliver power to NYC. In September, NYS selected two projects, Hydro-Quebec’s project and Clean Path NY. On October 7th at noon, we will be hosting a virtual meeting on Clean Path NY. Register today.