Environment and Water Quality
Our local environment is a precious resource, and preserving its wildlife, water quality, and waterways is one of my highest priorities. We owe it to future generations to pass down a pristine and thriving Long Island.
During my first term in Congress, I have taken numerous steps to protect and preserve our environment. This includes passing an amendment to prohibit offshore drilling off the coast of Long Island, introducing legislation to designate Plum Island as a national monument, and championing the full reauthorization of the Long Island Sound Program. I will continue fighting for a cleaner, more prosperous environment and ecosystem for all of Long Island to enjoy.
I am proud to co-chair the Long Island Sound Caucus, which works to keep the Long Island Sound and its watershed clean and safe for all New Yorkers and Northeasterners. I am also an active member of the Climate Solutions Caucus and the Conservative Climate Caucus, bringing together diverse perspectives to address our changing climate.
Long Island relies on a sole-source aquifer, making it imperative to protect our water supply from toxins and pollutants. I have worked with the Suffolk County Water Authority, local leaders, and water quality advocates to assess and secure our drinking water for generations to come. During my first term, I helped secure millions of federal dollars for clean water infrastructure projects across Suffolk County.
A significant issue facing Long Island communities is the presence of Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in our water supply. I joined the PFAS Caucus, a bipartisan group of Congress members working to deliver clean drinking water free of PFAS and other toxic chemicals to all Americans.
Suffolk County is surrounded by water, and protecting its waterways is a responsibility of our elected leaders. In Congress, I have fought to fully fund the Long Island Sound Program and the Peconic Estuary Partnership, partnered with the Army Corps of Engineers to ensure our waterways remain navigable for both commercial and recreational boaters, and protected our coastline from offshore drilling.