Virtual Environmental Roundtable Unfolds Thursday

EAST END, NY — Local elected officials convened virtually Thursday to host an environmental roundtable.

New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo, New York State Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, and New York State Assemblyman Fred Thiele participated in the event.

Those participating brought up a plethora of issues, including issues posed by wildlife include deer and geese, groundwater concerns, the possible acquisition of Shoreham Forest, the future of Plum Island, farmland preservation, and climate change. Many lawmakers denounced Gov. Kathy Hochul's plan to allow accessory apartments on land zoned for single-family homes, saying the measure would increase density, and create issues with groundwater and other environmental concerns in an area long focused on preservation.

Also discussed was fully funding the State’s Environmental Protection Fund, passing this year’s $4 billion environmental bond, increasing regional New York State Department of Environmental Conservation staffing, continued efforts to protect the region’s drinking from PFOA/PFOS and 1,4 dioxins, renewable energy, waste management, restoring the Peconic Estuary Program, addressing shellfish die off, and protecting the region’s shorelines and waterways.

“This critically important event fosters discussion to ensure our environmental concerns are addressed during the legislative session. The feedback and ideas expressed at this event provide us with valuable insight allowing us to better meet the numerous and diverse environmental challenges facing the East End,” said Palumbo. “These environmental issues ranging from water quality, conservation, agriculture, and land management are critical for the region and the health of our communities.”

Thiele said it is an "honor" to join the roundtable ever year, "a conversation centered on the fact that Long Island’s unique and beautiful coastal environment is worthy of fierce protection,” said Thiele. "Through this collaboration of local leaders and stakeholders, we are working together to find solutions to the often-daunting challenges faced by our East End communities to protect and preserve our environment. In Albany, I’m proud to be fighting to ensure that initiatives like the Peconic Estuary Partnership and other programs continue to receive the state funding necessary to support clean water, healthy soil, and a resilient Long Island."

Giglio added that on the East End, the environment is the "life blood of our community, and the life blood of our economy. Clean water, working farms, scenic vistas, and abundant wildlife are the cornerstones of what makes our community special."

She added that “from funding the extension of public water to those with contaminated wells from the Grumman plume, to supporting an amendment that will guarantee clean water and clean air, I stand with our neighbors in supporting a healthy environment for all our families to enjoy.”

Participants at the environmental roundtable included representatives from The Nature Conservancy, Concerned Citizens of Montauk, Long Island Environmental Voters Forum, Long Island Farm Bureau, Central Pine Barrens Joint Planning and Policy Commission, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Peconic Baykeeper, Garden Club of East Hampton, Suffolk Community College, and the Pine Barrens Society as well as a representative from Congressman Lee Zeldin’s office and several town and local elected officials.