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

Highlights and Happenings: December 2023

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! Governor Hochul Signs Birds and Bees Protection Act!
Bees are one of the most important species on the planet. Unfortunately, they are dying at an alarming rate. This loss of our bees and other pollinators has been largely linked to the excessive use of neonic pesticides. The Birds and Bees Protection Act was resoundingly passed by the NYS Legislature in June and was signed into law by the Governor in December. This critical law bans the most harmful and unnecessary use of toxic neonic pesticides. This is a huge victory for our pollinators, environment, and public health. Thank you to all our partners and everyone who urged the Governor to sign this crucial bill into law. And thank you to Governor Hochul for signing this landmark legislation into law!

Victory! Clean Water for New Yorkers
New York communities received a gift for the holidays this December—clean water! We joined Governor Hochul as she announced $479 million for clean water projects across the state. These projects included treatment technology to remove toxic PFAS and 1,4 dioxane from drinking water, funding to replace antiquated polluting septic systems, and funding to fix sewage infrastructure. Thank you to Governor Hochul for investing in clean water on Long Island and throughout NYS.

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Happenings

Transitioning to Offshore Wind
There were some big developments on offshore wind in December:

• Victory! NY’s First Offshore Wind Turbine is Generating Power South Fork Wind, NY’s first offshore wind farm, will soon power 70,000 homes on the east end of Long Island. Last month, we traveled 35 miles offshore to witness the construction of South Fork Wind, where two of the turbines are completed and one is already generating power. It was an incredible experience to see our clean renewable energy future up close. We also joined our partners for a press conference and celebration in East Hampton, where the cable connection will bring power onshore to the local substation. This is a major step forward for offshore wind in NY and the US!

• Offshore Wind Legislative Breakfast We joined NY League of Conservation Voters and our offshore wind partners to host Our Offshore Wind Future: An Offshore Wind Legislative Breakfast in West Saville, Long Island. We were joined by elected officials from the local, state and federal level to talk about offshore wind. We heard updates from Orsted and Equinor, who are currently building the first offshore wind projects in NY. We also got presentations from Vineyard Offshore, Community Offshore Wind, and Attentive Energies about their offshore wind projects, which were selected by New York this fall and will generate over 4,000MW of power. It was a very informative event. Thanks to all who attended and to our great presenters.

• Upcoming: NYSERDA Open Houses Throughout January, the NY State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is hosting offshore wind educational open houses in several locations. Join NYSERDA, New York State agencies, offshore wind project developers, and other industry partners to learn about the state’s work to responsibly develop offshore wind to advance the critical clean energy targets of New York’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. You can find more information on the open houses here.

Protecting Long Island Sound
Last month, we were awarded grant funding from the Long Island Sound Futures Fund to continue our collaboration with the Village of Northport to install two new rain gardens. These new rain gardens will enhance access to the Long Island Sound and filter harmful pollutants out of stormwater to protect water quality in the harbor. The project will prevent 75.2 lbs. of nitrogen, 15.9 lbs. of phosphorus and 4,456 lbs. of suspended solids flowing annually into Northport Harbor and Long Island Sound. Thanks to the LIS Futures Fund for their continued support.

Understanding the Health Risks of 1,4-Dioxane on Long Island
Yale Superfund Research Center has crafted a study to better understand the impact of 1,4-dioxane exposure on Long Island residents. This spring, we launched our partnership with Yale to provide education and outreach to inform Long Islanders about this new, exciting program. We will also be hosting an in-person meeting with Assemblywoman Taylor Darling in Hempstead Village on January 25th, so stay tuned for more info. If you live on Long Island and are interested in participating and finding out if you have been exposed to 1,4-dioxane, you can find out more here.

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