Water News

We are releasing our NYC priorities as part of our 2019-2020 City Policy Agenda. We’re focusing on Combating Climate Change and Protecting People & Natural Resources.

Many towns in New York State are currently suffering from harmful algal blooms. In order to combat them, the Department of Environmental Conservation is using monitoring technology developed by the U.S. Geological Survey to detect HABs early.

The EPA is looking to weaken the Clean Water Act (CWA) enforcement process by decreasing states’ authority to enforce the law. The proposed changes target states like New York that have used the CWA to block or delay projects that may harm the environment.

Suffolk County officials recently revealed a $4 billion plan to fight nitrogen pollution on Long Island’s surface waters. The 50-year Subwatersheds Wastewater Plan aims to upgrade and replace aging septic systems in hundreds of thousands of homes and replace them with modern sewage systems. 

Legislation geared towards PFAS and 1,4 Dioxane contamination passed with near-unanimous support in both chambers of the State Legislature late last month positioning New York as a national leader in addressing both contaminants.

The 2019 legislative session came to a close with historic gains for the environment. The State Senate and Assembly passed the most aggressive climate legislation in the country as well as other legislative measures, putting New York at the forefront of the fight for environmental protection.

Last weekend, the New York State Legislature and Governor Andrew Cuomo finalized a progressive state budget for Fiscal Year 2020, establishing several important environmental policies including congestion pricing in Manhattan, a ban on carry-out plastic bags, and legislation to reduce food waste in New York.