State Budget Will Help Green Long Island

Assemblyman Bob Sweeney, Chairman of the Assembly Environmental Conservation Committee, has announced that the 2014-2015 state budget will support a number of environmental initiatives sought by the Assembly.  The budget provides more than $1 billion dollars for the environment.

The budget contains funding for a network of Centers of Excellence in Children's Environmental Health.  Many childhood diseases -- including asthma, obesity, attention-deficit disorder, autism, lower IQ scores, and some cancers -- can be attributed to toxic chemicals and other environmental exposures.  According to the New York State Nurses Association, “Prior to birth children absorb hundreds of environmental toxins which threaten their health.”  The Centers, one of which will be at Stony Brook University Hospital, will work to treat and prevent childhood diseases and deaths caused by environmental pollution. 

The budget provides an increase of $9 million over last year for a total of $162 million for the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF).  The (EPF) is New York State’s dedicated source of funding for environmental programs that make New York a desirable place to live and work – clean drinking water, parks, waterfronts.  Added to the EPF were $250,000 for Oceans and Great Lakes, and restoration of downstate land preservation funding.  In addition to providing recreational opportunities and cleaning and greening the environment it is estimated that the EPF funding generates $40 billion a year for the state’s economy.

Additionally, to improve water quality, the budget provides funding for the Department of Environmental Conservation to collect unwanted drugs from nursing homes and hospitals on Long Island.  Expired, unwanted, or unused pharmaceutical drugs require proper disposal in order to prevent unintended environmental harm.  Pharmaceuticals have been detected in Long Island’s ground water.  Drinking water supplied from public sources must meet all federal and state standards for health and safety.  “This initiative will help prevent drugs from further contaminating our drinking water," Sweeney said.

The budget contains three million dollars, which will be matched by Suffolk County, to improve water quality on Long Island.  Long Island’s groundwater aquifer is the sole source of drinking water for nearly three million residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties and is highly vulnerable to pollution.  Protection of Long Island’s groundwater resources has been the subject of substantial federal, state and local investment, as well as, legislation and policy initiatives for nearly 40 years. Despite these efforts, recent water quality data clearly demonstrates that Long Island’s water resources are in a state of gradual decline.  $200,000 is included for activities related to Long Island pesticide pollution prevention.

Groundwater protection and restoration of Long Island’s surface waters are integral to growing the Long Island economy.  The Central Pine Barrens Commission will receive an increase in funding to continue its mission to protect groundwater, surface waters, and natural ecosystems in the Long Island Pine Barrens.  “Clean, safe water is essential for our health and our economy,” said Sweeney. 

Finally, the budget also rejected the Executive proposal to significantly reduce the ability of researchers and investigators to know where and what pesticides have been applied.  This would have stymied research into the negative health and environmental effects of pesticides.

“I am proud that this year’s budget agreement recognizes Long Island’s unique environmental needs.  There is more work to be done, but a framework is now in place to address Long Island’s priorities,” said Sweeney.