Highlights and Happenings: November 2024

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Highlights

Victory! Suffolk County Votes Yes on Clean Water On election day, Suffolk County residents had the opportunity to vote on Prop 2, the clean water ballot referendum. The initiative allows the sales tax to be increased by 1/8 of one penny to create a reliable funding stream dedicated to protecting water. The clean water ballot measure was passed by Suffolk residents with an overwhelming 72% of the vote! The program, effective January of 2025, will generate billions of dollars in the years ahead to reduce nitrogen pollution from sewers and septic systems—reducing pollution that impacts our drinking water and waterways. Thank you to Suffolk County residents that voted in favor of this critical clean water initiative! 

We Have Only Days Left to Save Horseshoe Crabs—Governor Hochul Must Sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act! 
In order to save the horseshoe crab from local extinction, the New York State Legislature passed a bill to ban harvesting of horseshoe crabs. We need Governor Hochul to sign the bill. The clock is ticking. She has only days left to decide whether to sign the bill or veto it. Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 350million years, having shared this planet with the dinosaurs. Sadly, the species is now vulnerable to local extinction unless action is taken soon. We can’t afford to wait any longer. We continued outreach to the Governor’s office last month, getting letters of support for the bill from the public, stakeholders, and Dr. Jane Goodall! Email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law! 

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Happenings

Heading to D.C. to Advocate for the Great Lakes 
In November, we headed down to Washington D.C. to meet with our elected leaders on the importance of Great Lakes protection. Our big push is to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative Act, which would extend funding this successful program to protect and restore the Great Lakes for another 5 years. Many thanks to our partner National Audubon Society and students from SUNY ESF for joining us for a very productive trip! 

Providing Testimony to Address PFAS Contamination in Our Waters 
Last month, the New York State Assembly held a public hearing on PFAS contamination. Our Executive Director, Adrienne Esposito, provided testimony on the dangers of these “forever chemicals,” which are found in our drinking water and communities throughout the state. We outlined what New York must do to protect our health, environment and drinking water, including passing legislation to stop PFAS at the source by banning these dangerous chemicals in common household items. Check out Adrienne Esposito’s testimony here.

Transitioning to Offshore Wind 
Here’s a look at the big developments with offshore wind from November: 

• Talking Offshore Wind with Uniondale High School - Last month, we continued our partnership with Community Offshore Wind and Uniondale High School with another round of presentations for students entitled “Transitioning to Renewable Energy,” which is an educational program designed to inform and engage the next generation of Long Islanders on the clean energy future. We then headed down for our annual trip with the students to the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center, where the students learned about coastline protection and climate change mitigation strategies, and were then able to take a close up look at a real wind turbine blade. Thank you again to all the students and teachers that participated in making this year’s program a success! 

• Fighting for Battery Energy Storage - As part of NY’s transition to renewable energy, especially offshore wind, we will need to use battery energy storage systems (BESS). BESS systems store energy from renewable energy sources and deliver it when electricity demand is greatest, helping to create a more reliable grid. In November, we testified in favor of the New York Power Authority’s strategic renewable plan, which includes plans to phase out fossil fuel peaker plants and build a BESS facility in at their Brentwood site on Long Island. We also urged Town of Babylon to not extend their moratorium on battery storage and to move forward with zoning changes that will allow good BESS projects to move forward. Several other Long Island towns have moratoriums or extensions to existing moratoriums up for vote in the coming months, so stayed tuned for more info on how you can help support BESS. 

Planting a Rain Garden in Northport 
We are working with the Village of Northport on Long Island to install new rain gardens on Bluff Rd and James Street. Rain gardens prevent polluted stormwater runoff from reaching local waterways. They capture, store, and filter contaminants while protecting the shoreline and prevent pollution from entering Northport Harbor. We joined community members to plant a rain garden in October and another in November. We are very excited to see how these rain gardens continue to thrive and protect Northport Harbor. 

Save Horseshoe Crabs Before It’s Too Late!

Urge Governor Hochul to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into Law!

The Governor must decide to sign the bill or veto it within a matter of days

Horseshoe crabs have existed for over 350 million years, having shared this planet with the dinosaurs. Sadly, the species is now vulnerable to local extinction unless action is taken soon. Horseshoe crab populations have been depleted largely due to commercial fishermen who catch them and chop them up for use as bait. Horseshoe crabs are an essential species in the food web—a decline in their population is harming the ecosystem and threatening bird species that depend upon the crabs for food. Currently, New York is woefully lagging in horseshoe crab protection.

In order to save the horseshoe crab, and the species that depend upon them, the New York State Legislature passed a bill to ban harvesting of horseshoe crabs. The bill was recently delivered to Governor Hochul—she has 10 days to decide whether to sign the bill or veto it. Email Governor Hochul today and urge her to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law!

Background

Why are Horseshoe Crabs Important?
Horseshoe Crabs are an integral part of the ecosystem and act as a keystone species in the food web. Each spring, horseshoe crabs travel from deep Atlantic waters to the shore for their breeding season. Beaches are stormed with mating horseshoe crabs, with females laying tens of thousands of eggs at a time in clusters buried under the sand. Every year, horseshoe crabs lay their eggs on beaches at full and new moon high tides from April to June.

Millions of shorebirds stop along our Atlantic beaches to nourish themselves on horseshoe crab eggs. These eggs are the single most important food source for migrating shorebirds, including threatened birds, such as the Red Knot. Experts predict that the Red Knot may become extinct in the coming years, unless more protective measures are undertaken to protect horseshoe crabs. Furthermore, sharks, sea turtles, sportfish and other species also feed on horseshoe crabs, making them a critical component of the food web.

Biomedical Uses
The blood of horseshoe crabs contains a critical component, Limulus Amoebocyte Lysate, known as LAL. This unique compound clots when exposed to bacteria or bacterial endotoxins. Some medical equipment and devices such as IV tubing are also tested with LAL. Currently, scientists have found synthetic compounds that reproduce LAL, which are now being used by Pfizer, Eli Lilly and other leading pharmaceutical companies. There have been NO permits issued in over a decade for the harvesting of horseshoe crabs for medical uses in NY waters. All the permitted harvesting of horseshoe crabs is for fishing, not biomedical purposes. However, as other states prohibit taking for biomedical uses, pressure to permit the practice may increase in NY if action is not taken to protect horseshoe crabs.

Horseshoe Crabs Under Threat
For decades, horseshoe crabs were looked upon as unimportant to our waters. They are slow to mature and therefore are susceptible to harvesting pressures. Horseshoe crabs were once used as fertilizer and livestock feed, which almost led to their populations being wiped out in the 1940s. In the 1970s, the populations recovered only to see resurgence in their use as bait for eel, conch, and whelk fisheries. The horseshoe crabs are chopped up and used as bait by commercial fisherman.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission reported horseshoe crab stocks have been in decline for at least 15 years. Horseshoe crab populations were rated as “good” in 2009 but declined to “poor” in 2019. The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has listed horseshoe crabs as vulnerable to local extinction in our region. The importance of horseshoe crabs to our ecosystem and the growing threat to the survival of the species had led other states, including Delaware, Connecticut, and New Jersey, to implement policies banning the taking of horseshoe crabs. 

New York State Needs a Ban on Horseshoe Crab Harvesting
This year, the New York State Legislature passed Horseshoe Crab Protection Act (S.3185A / A.10140), which prohibits the taking of horseshoe crabs for commercial and biomedical uses. This legislation will allow New York to restore the population of horseshoe crabs and ensure the survival of this species for future generations. Neighboring states, including Connecticut, have already enacted similar legislation. It is time for NY to step up and ban the harvesting of horseshoe crabs! The bill was recently delivered to Governor Hochul’s desk—we need her to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act into law!

Thank you for taking action

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

The numbers behind Proposition 2 in Suffolk County

SOURCE:

https://www.newsday.com/long-island/environment/li-votes-prop-2-bwelvmgf?utm_medium=web_share_api&utm_campaign=web_share_api

(Click link to watch video)

Dr. Jane Goodall Joins the Fight to Protect Horseshoe Crabs in New York

For immediate release: November 18, 2024

For more information contact: Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director,  cell 631-384-1378  aesposito@citizenscampaign.org

Erin McGrath, Policy Director for National Audubon Society’s New York State office – Cell 518-860-426

Farmingdale, NY – As the battle to protect Horseshoe Crabs in New York heats up, one of the world’s most prominent conservationists weighs in to call on Governor Hochul to sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Bill.  Horseshoe Crabs have roamed the earth for over 350 million years and shared this planet with the dinosaurs.  However, this species is now vulnerable to local extinction unless action is taken soon. Horseshoe crab populations have become depleted largely due to commercial fisherman who catch them and chop them up for bait for catching eel and conch.

This year the NY State legislature passed the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act (S3185A/A10140) which prohibits the taking of Horseshoe crabs from New York waters. This legislation will allow the populations to recover and ensure the survival of this important species.  Governor Hochul has been reluctant to sign the bill, and she only has 6 more weeks to do so. 

Dr. Jane Goodall is one of the world’s most prominent conservation scientists and has almost 60 years of traveling the world to successfully advance conservation and protection of endangered species. Dr. Goodall penned a letter to Governor Hochul on November 12, 2024, requesting that the Governor sign the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act.  Dr. Goodall’s letter states, “I believe New York has an opportunity to lead in this conservation effort. By signing this bill, you can ensure the survival of the horseshoe crab and the many species that depend on it. I have devoted my life to preserving the planet and I hope together, we can make a lasting difference in this important corner of the world.”

“It’s a rare and special event when Dr. Goodall reaches out and requests New York help her in saving our planet’s endangered species.  Governor Hochul should heed the wisdom and vision that Dr. Goodall provides and immediately sign this important legislation,” said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.

NY Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal said, “Dr. Jane Goodall, the most respected conservationist in the world, has joined our cause to protect New York’s ancient horseshoe crab population. Dr. Goodall knows what she’s talking about when she says that we can help preserve our planet by making the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act (S.3185A) law. The Horseshoe Crab Protection Act will bring New York in line with neighboring states that have already banned the taking of horseshoe crabs and protect this crucial ‘keystone’ species. I’m hopeful Governor Hochul will sign this bill into law soon.”

“I am thrilled to be joined by Dr. Goodall in our efforts to protect the horseshoe crab within the waters of New York. Very few people understand the importance of species conservation better than Dr. Goodall; when she speaks, we should carefully listen to her words. Despite the current fishery management scheme, there has been a disturbingly steep decline in this species which cannot continue. We must ensure a future for this ancient keystone species” said NYS Assemblymember Deborah J. Glick, who is the Assembly sponsor of the legislation.

"We are grateful that Dr. Jane Goodall has lent her voice to our collective efforts to protect horseshoe crabs. Horseshoe crabs are a keystone species that supports a number of migratory shorebirds, fish, and other marine life that rely on them for a food source. Unfortunately, the horseshoe crab population has been declining drastically, and the species that rely on them have followed suit," said Erin McGrath, Policy Director for the National Audubon Society’s New York State office. “Neighboring states, including Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Jersey, have closed their horseshoe crab fisheries in order to protect this important species, and we believe it is time for New York State to join them. We urge Governor Hochul and the Department of Environmental Conservation to take immediate action to help our horseshoe crab population recover and thrive. “

"With the support from Dr. Jane Goodall, as well as scientists and conservationists from around the world, it is becoming abundantly clear how urgent the preservation of horseshoe crabs truly is," said Caitlin Ferrante, Conservation Program Manager, Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter. "Horseshoe crabs are essential to the ecological resilience of New York's shorelines and by signing into law A.10140 (Glick)/S.3185-A (Hoylman-Sigal), the Horseshoe Crab Protection Act, Governor Hochul would be ensuring protections for this keystone species and the health of our vulnerable coastline ecosystems. We are grateful for the support of Dr. Jane Goodall and urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill into law today."

NEW YORKERS DESERVE CLEAN WATER

Tell Governor Hochul & Legislative Leaders to Invest in Clean Water Infrastructure!

Much of New York’s wastewater and drinking water infrastructure is aging and failing, putting public health and our environment at risk. New York State has made significant investments to upgrade water infrastructure in recent years; however, much more needs to be done to provide clean water for all New Yorkers. 

To make drinking water safe and affordable for all New Yorkers, protect our environment, and create jobs, Governor Hochul and the legislature must provide at least $600 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act in the 2025-2026 NYS budget! Email Governor Hochul and your elected representatives today.

Background

Why should New Yorkers be concerned about the state’s wastewater and drinking water infrastructure? 

• The American Society of Civil Engineers gave New York’s drinking water infrastructure a grade of C- and its wastewater systems a grade of D+.

• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that there are at least 494,000 lead drinking water service lines in New York, the sixth highest of all states in the nation. Lead is a toxic heavy metal—there is no safe level of exposure to lead in drinking water, especially for infants and children. New federal regulations require that ALL lead pipes be replaced by 2037.

• According to reports generated by New York’s Sewage Pollution Right to Know law, there are 5 overflows of raw or partially treated sewage into New York waters every day. Sewage overflows make people sick, close beaches, kill fish, and hamper economic development.

• Drinking water supplies across the state contain PFAS “forever chemicals” that threaten public health. The EPA adopted new drinking water standards for certain PFAS chemicals, which will require an estimated 296 additional communities across NYS to treat for PFAS. Communities across the state are struggling to afford and install the costly treatment technology needed to filter these toxic chemicals from drinking water.

• Across the nation, there is a water main break every two minutes, and an estimated six billion gallons of treated water is lost each day. Water main breaks not only threaten access to clean drinking water, but also close schools and businesses, cause sink holes that damage roads, and hurt local economies.

What will it cost to upgrade New York’s water infrastructure?
While repairing and replacing New York’s clean water infrastructure is imperative, it is also costly. The EPA estimates that it will cost about $90 billion to upgrade New York State’s wastewater and drinking infrastructure. 

What is being done to protect clean water and what is needed next?
Since 2017, New York State has appropriated $5.5 billion into the state’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act, which is helping to upgrade sewage treatment plants, filter toxic contaminants out of drinking water, replace lead drinking water pipes, upgrade failing septic systems, protect drinking water at its source, and more. This is helping to make drinking water safe and affordable, protect our environment, and create good jobs in every community across the state (every million dollars invested is creating 17 jobs—extrapolated for the full $5.5 billion appropriated thus far, the program is expected to create over 93,000 jobs). 

While progress is being made, New York has a long way to go to meet its nearly $90 billion clean water need. Governor Hochul and the legislature must continue to invest in the Clean Water Infrastructure Act in order to provide clean and affordable water for all New Yorkers! Governor Hochul and the legislature should provide at least $600 million for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act in the 2025-2026 NYS budget!

Thank you for taking action!

Sincerely,
All of us at CCE

SUFFOLK COUNTY RESIDENTS VOTE IN FAVOR OF CLEAN WATER REFERENDUM ON 2024 BALLOT!

Prop 2, which passed with 72% of the vote, will help restore Suffolk County’s drinking water, beaches, bays, lakes, and rivers

Nitrogen pollution from sewage is responsible for massive fish kills, turtle die-offs, toxic algal blooms, and beach closings across Suffolk County. Long Island's clean waters create jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars every year for our regional economy. Nitrogen pollution is adversely impacting our environment, health, economy, and quality of life. The science is clear; the majority of the nitrogen pollution in our local waterways comes from outdated sewer and septic systems. Upgrading our sewer and septic infrastructure is necessary to restore the health of Suffolk County’s waterways and protect our drinking water.

Tackling nitrogen pollution will require a steady stream of funding for updating septic systems and expanding sewers. In 2024, New York State and the Suffolk County Legislature passed legislation allowing Suffolk County to create a unified water management district and hold a ballot referendum that allows residents to vote on clean water. Suffolk residents were able to vote on an increase of 1/8 cent to the county sales tax, to be dedicated to protecting water resources by installing sewers and clean water septic systems. 

On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, the clean water ballot measure was passed by Suffolk residents with an overwhelming 72% of the vote! The program, effective January of 2025, will generate billions of dollars in the years ahead to reduce nitrogen pollution from sewers and septic systems—reducing pollution that impacts our drinking water and waterways. Thank you to Suffolk County residents that voted in favor of this critical clean water initiative!

Background

Suffolk is 74% unsewered, with 360,000 homes relying on antiquated septic and cesspool technology to treat wastewater. The impacts of nitrogen pollution from inadequately treated sewage are appearing in virtually every bay, harbor, freshwater lake, and pond in the county. 

The NYS Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) cites algal blooms and nitrogen from sewage as the primary reasons many Long Island water bodies are impaired. The numerous fish and turtle die-offs in our estuaries over the last decade were found to be caused mainly by nitrogen pollution from sewage. Moreover, some toxic algal blooms constitute a serious threat to human health, such as blue-green algae in lakes and ponds. Long Island has the greatest frequency of blue-green algae in the entire state. 

After years of study, Suffolk County released a plan which details the sources of nitrogen pollution entering all 191 subwatersheds in the county and provides a pathway to restoring our waterways to a healthy condition. The study found the primary cause of nitrogen pollution in our waterways to be sewage from antiquated sewers and septic systems. The Subwatersheds Plan provides a pathway to replace outdated cesspools and septic systems with advanced on-site systems and, where appropriate, improving and expanding sewer systems. The longer we wait to implement these changes, the more expensive and difficult our water quality problems will be to fix.  In order to fully implement this plan, Suffolk requires a unified wastewater management district and dedicated funding stream to implement these clean water projects.