Safeguarding Our Environment

Statement

On the East End of Long Island, we must be committed to protecting and preserving the abundance of our natural resources that are so important to our life, culture and economy.

This is an issue that is personal for all of us. For me, growing up on Long Island and enjoying the beauty of Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge, Smith Point County Park and so many other treasures of life in our area, we are constantly reminded that in order to provide each generation with that same privilege, we must be good stewards of the environment. Protecting our environment also goes hand in hand with protecting commerce in our regional economy where so many jobs and small businesses depend on scenic beaches, parks, clean water and wineries to attract visitors and economic growth.

In 2015, whether it was the effort to reverse President Obama's proposed 22% cut in funding for the Long Island Sound, opposing the misguided plan to dump Connecticut's dredged waste into the Sound, or supporting $27 million in funding for the National Estuary Program, there were many local environmental issues worth championing. Of critical importance was the successful effort to save the Land and Water Conservation Fund after the previous Congress had allowed this program to lapse. Congress also established a permanent tax deduction for conservation easements that are essential to preserving land and farms in our region, and made progress further developing the research and use of alternative energy; much of which will take place right here on Long Island at SUNY Stony Brook and Brookhaven National Lab.

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