Green energy on its way to Long Island thanks to food scraps
Green energy is on its way to Long Island. CBS2's Jennifer McLogan reports food scraps from restaurants, schools and grocery stores will soon be turned into renewable bio gas.
Combating water pollution on Long Island Sound
Ghost Fishing, Nitrogen Pollution, Rubber Debris Targeted in Local Efforts to Clean Up the Sound
Twenty years ago, rising water temperatures, nitrogen pollution and disease wiped out the lobster population in Long Island Sound.
Lobstermen picked up and left, in many cases leaving their traps behind.
But on the floor of the Sound, tens of thousands of traps are still working, catching the few remaining lobsters along with other species.
It’s called ghost fishing.
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
Highlights and Happenings: March 2022
Image by Free-Photos 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.
Highlights
Victory! $1 Million for Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency
Last month we joined Suffolk County Executive Steven Bellone, Suffolk Legislators Bridget Fleming and Al Krupski, our friends at The Nature Conservancy, and others for the launch of the Suffolk County Coastal Resiliency Project Advisory Committee and the announcement of $1 million in additional funding for coastal resiliency. This funding will enable the county to protect over 1,000 miles of shoreline, restore natural barriers to reduce flooding and storm surges, and help mitigate climate impacts to our coastal communities. At the press conference announcing the funding, CCE Executive Director Adrienne Esposito stressed the importance of making Suffolk County more resilient to climate change, stating “We are the most vulnerable. We’re on the frontlines.”
Happenings
Visiting the Shinnecock Bay Kelp Farm
We were honored to be invited to the Hampton Bays to visit a Kelp Farm in Shinnecock Bay this March. The project is a collaboration between the Shinnecock Kelp Farmers and Sisters of St. Joseph that will help restore water quality in the bay. Check out our series of interviews with Darlene Troge and Teela, who are members of the Shinnecock Nation, and Sister Karen Burke from the Sisters of St. Joseph to learn more about this fantastic program!
Leading Great Lakes Days in Washington (Virtually)
Along with our partners at Audubon NY, we lead a series of virtual meetings with members of New York’s congressional delegation to call for increased funding for Great Lakes restoration and clean water infrastructure as Congress develops its FY2023 federal budget. While we successfully fought for a historic $1billion investment in Great Lakes restoration in last year’s federal infrastructure bill, there is more work to do to restore the lakes and we cannot afford to let up on our efforts. While this year’s “Great Lakes Days” were held virtually, we’re looking forward to traveling back to Washington D.C. soon to fight for our federal priorities in person!
Offshore Wind Leases Hit Record Highs in NY Bight
Earlier this year, BOEM designated six offshore wind lease areas in the NY Bight off New York and New Jersey. Now, we have seen a record $4.37 billion sale for these leases after several intense days of auction. These leases are critical to keep up the progress we have made as a state to ensure we achieve 9,000MW of offshore wind by 2035. We think Interior Secretary Deb Haaland summed up this record $4+ billion sale best, stating: "This week's offshore wind sale makes one thing clear: the enthusiasm for the clean energy economy is undeniable and it's here to stay."
Greening the Northport Yacht Club
We are working with the Northport Yacht Club and Village of Northport to install a rain garden on Bluff Rd in Northport on Long Island. The garden will capture 15,000 gallons of storm water and remove harmful pollutants like motor oil, pesticides, and nitrogen fertilizer before the water enters Northport Harbor and Long Island Sound. In March, we joined Assemblyman Keith Brown, Northport Yacht Club, Northport Village, and community members to learn more about this exciting project at a press conference and a community meeting. Thank you to Long Island Sound Study and the Long Island Futures Fund for your support on this project. We can’t wait to see the rain garden this spring!
Protecting Our Pollinators
Declining honeybee populations and contamination of New York’s water resources from toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (AKA neonics) 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. CCE continues to fight to protect our birds, bees, water, and public health from toxic neonic pesticides by working to ban the most dangerous and unnecessary uses of neonics through passage of the Birds and Bees Protection Act! Help us advance this critical legislation by emailing your elected officials today!
Long Island Lobby Coalition Goes to Albany
After two years away, we headed back to Albany with the Long Island Lobby Coalition. We had great meetings with Senators and Assembly members from Long Island about funding for clean water, the Environmental Bond Act, sewers, transportation, social services, renewables, waste reduction, and more. Our 100+ member coalition fought to make sure this year's budget includes funding for critical programs to protect LI's water, health, and quality of life. Thanks to all who joined us for a very productive trip.
Fighting to 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. One of our big NYS priorities this year is Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for packaging and paper, which will hold producers, not taxpayers, responsible for their waste. We have been fighting for an EPR policy which will reduce packing, eliminate toxins in packaging, encourage more recyclable materials, prevent plastic pollution and save taxpayers money. In March, both Tompkins County and New York City passed resolutions in support of a NYS EPR law and we are in Albany continuing to fight to make sure it gets done this year.
Upcoming: Lunch and Learn on Offshore Wind in NY.
Get the latest on offshore wind in NY! Join us on April 19th from noon-1pm for a virtual Lunch and Learn on NY's Offshore Wind Future. We'll join New York League of Conservation Voters and NYSERDA's Doreen Harris for a presentation on the 5 offshore wind projects that will power over 2 million homes in NYC and LI, followed by a Q&A. Register Now!
Gennaro calls for PSC to approve Canadian energy connection
'Forever chemicals' found in Suffolk's water wells since 2016: data
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!
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
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
Leaders launch rain garden initiative to protect Northport Harbor
$7M in federal funding set to bring clean water to Manorville, Calverton
At long last there is hope for some Long Island residents who have been begging for clean drinking water
$7M from federal omnibus bill to fund hookups to public water supply to 124 homes
Federal representatives secure $3.5 million for Riverhead’s Manorville water extension
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%
Thanks for taking action. Together we make a difference!
Sincerely,
Your friends at CCE
Suffolk announces $1 million for coastal resiliency projects
Suffolk County officials on Wednesday announced they will spend $1 million to plan coastal resiliency projects to counter the impact of increasing storms and flooding resulting from climate change.
A task force of environmentalists, county officials and others will identify expected effects of climate change in Suffolk and propose ways to mitigate damage and protect communities, officials said.
Highlights and Happenings: February 2022
Image by Free-Photos 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.
Highlights
VICTORY! Celebrating $1 Billion for Great Lakes Clean Up
Our Associate Executive Director, Brian Smith, joined with Rep. Brian Higgins, Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, & the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency last month to celebrate a $1 billion investment from the bipartisan infrastructure bill in Great Lakes restoration. This funding will help clean up four toxic hot spots in NY’s Great Lakes waters (Buffalo River, Niagara River, Eighteen Mile Creek, Rochester Embayment) over the next several years! These toxic hot spots have polluted sources of drinking water and threatened public health for decades. This is a huge step forward!
VICTORY! New York’s First Offshore Wind Farm Breaks Ground
Last month, we celebrated the groundbreaking of NY’s first offshore wind farm – South Fork Wind. After 10 years of work with environmental organizations, labor partners, and the public, we were very excited that NY’s offshore wind future is finally becoming a reality. South Fork Wind will bring renewable energy to 70,000 homes and accelerate our just transition to green energy. Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland, the Director of BOEM, Amanda Lefton, and NYSERDA for working so hard to make offshore wind a reality for NY.
Happenings
Protecting Our Pollinators
We joined with advocates from across the state representing public health, farming and environmental groups for a virtual lobby day in support of the Birds and Bees Protection Act. We highlighted the critical need to limit unnecessary uses of toxic neonicotinoid pesticides (A.K.A neonics), which have decimated bee populations, polluted drinking water, and have been linked to adverse human health impacts. This coalition has been working to pass state legislation to ban the sale of neonic treated corn, soybean, and wheat seeds; and ornamental uses on lawns, gardens, and golf courses. By banning just these few uses, we could eliminate 85-90% of all neonics used in New York and protect our pollinators, water quality, and human health. Help us by emailing your elected representatives today and urge them to pass the Birds and Bees Protection Act!
Pushing for Electric Vehicles
In February, we joined Congressman Tom Suozzi as he announced $26 million in federal funds to help New York build a network of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. New York has a goal of 1 million EVs by 2035, which means we need charging stations installed throughout the state quickly and broadly. In addition to these federal funds, we are also working to pass state legislation allowing for uncapped direct sales of EVs in NY (there are currently only 5 EV direct sale locations permitted in downstate NY). Florida, which currently allows for the uncapped direct sales of EVs, had 60% higher sales of EVs than NY in 2020, and nearly twice as many EVs on the road. We need to catch up if we are going to meet our important climate change goals!
Calling for Federal Investments in Climate and Environmental Solutions
We joined state elected leaders and advocates for virtual events in both Western and Central New York calling on Senator Schumer to continue to his leadership and push for the U.S. Senate to make significant climate investments. These press conferences highlighted the impacts of climate change that are being felt in the upstate NY. Sewage overflows, increased flooding, lead drinking water pipes and harmful algal blooms are all threats that could be addressed with the $550 billion investment the House has already approved. Now we need Senator Schumer to continue to fight for New Yorkers and combat climate change by getting the $550 billion climate and environmental solutions investment to the Senate floor for a vote. Thank you NYS Senators Ryan, May and Mannion, Assemblyman Conrad, and our colleagues at the NY League of Conservation Voters and Mothers Out Front, for joining us in bringing attention to these federal investments that New York and the nation desperately need.
