Hundreds of Long Islanders sounded off at Thursday's public hearing on plans to build a casino and resort at the Nassau Hub in Uniondale. The $4 billion project drew supporters excited about the revenue and job opportunities, and detractors who raised concerns that a casino would bring crime, traffic and pollution.
UNIONDALE, Long Island (PIX11) — Developers behind a casino project on Long Island say it would bring jobs, pull the community together, and attract world-class entertainment.
Developers also state the projects would improve the environmental status of the place where the complex, called the Nassau Hub, would be built. People critical of the project warn that it could harm the communities that it is meant to serve, in a variety of ways. Both sides voiced their opinions in a big way at a pair of hearings on Thursday.
UNIONDALE, N.Y. -- More than 300 Nassau County residents packed the ballroom at the Uniondale Marriott on Thursday to have their voices heard regarding a proposed $4 billion resort casino.
Some are demanding independent traffic, air, water and noise studies.
Dive Brief:
The Brookhaven Landfill on Long Island, New York, may get two extra years of life to accept incinerator ash, newly elected Town Supervisor Dan Panico told Newsday last week. Panico is seeking an extension of the landfill’s permit that would allow it to remain open until 2027 or 2028, rather than its current permit expiration on July 11, 2026.
Local leaders are working to find alternative disposal capacity for incinerator ash from the Covanta-run facility in Westbury that handles much of Suffolk County’s waste. Panico also confirmed the landfill would stop accepting C&D waste — which constitutes 65% of the waste accepted at the landfill annually — by the end of the year.
The permit extension will buy extra time for private industry solutions to press forward. Carlson Corp., a longtime Long Island C&D and organic waste processor, has applied for federal permission to construct a rail terminal to process and ship waste off the island. Winters Bros. has also floated a proposal for a rail terminal adjacent to the Brookhaven Landfill.
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
Today Governor Hochul released her SFY 2024-25 Executive Budget Book, which indicates that her executive budget proposal will provide $500 million over two years for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act. Last year, the program was funded at $500 million for one year. Since 2017, New York has provided $5 billion for this important program, which has provided significant results for New York’s environment and economy. In response to the proposed cut, Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director at Citizens Campaign for the Environment, issued a statement.
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 CCE build on our success, and support our campaigns to protect public health and the environment in NY and CT.
Make a contribution today.
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.
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.
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.
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
While New York has secured eight offshore wind contracts for development, energy experts say not enough investment is being made in the port infrastructure needed to assemble the turbines and deploy them out to sea.
South Fork Wind under construction off the coast of Long Island. The project will be the one of the first large-scale offshore wind farms up and running in the United States.
New York has big plans to generate power from non-polluting renewable energy, produced by giant windmills floating in the Atlantic ocean.
To help safeguard pollinators, New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul has signed the “Birds and Bees Protection Act.”
Signed into law last week, the legislation prohibits the use of specific neonicotinoid pesticide-treated corn, soybean and wheat seeds and neonicotinoid pesticides for outdoor ornamental plants and turfs. The ban goes into effect in 2027, according to published reports.
Gov. Kathy Hochul announced $479 million in grants for critical water infrastructure projects, including the first funding awarded through the $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022, which was passed by voters after Hochul pushed to increase the total amount by $1 billion upon taking office.
ALBANY, NY — A coalition of farmers, health professionals, and environmental groups are celebrating today after Governor Kathy Hochul signed the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S1856-A/A7640). The bill will limit the use of neonicotinoid pesticides (neonics), and, when fully implemented, would eliminate up to 80-90% of the neonics entering New York’s environment annually by prohibiting only unneeded neonic coatings on corn, soybean, and wheat seeds and non-agricultural lawn and garden uses.
ALBANY, NY — With 10 days left to sign the Birds and Bees Protection Act (S1856-A / A7640), New Yorkers have called for action from Governor Kathy Hochul. Today, doctors, farmers, and advocates expressed concern that if Governor Hochul doesn’t sign the bill, an immense opportunity would be missed to protect people and the environment from neonic pesticide exposure. The Birds and Bees Protection Act would eliminate 80-90% of neonics from entering New York’s environment annually by prohibiting the use of neonic-coated corn and soybean seeds, as well as limiting unnecessary neonic lawn and garden uses.
