New York Governor Acts to Protect Long Island Sound
Audubon New York commends Governor Cuomo's decisive action to protect globally significant ecosystem
On August 4, 2016, Audubon New York proudly stood in support of New York State Governor, Andrew M. Cuomo, as he announced the state’s opposition to EPA’s proposed Dredged Material Management Plan (DMMP), which would establish new permanent open water disposal sites in eastern Long Island Sound. In a letter signed by more than 30 federal, state and local elected officials, Governor Cuomo provided notice to President Obama and EPA officials that the state will take necessary steps to prevent the EPA from issuing a rule allowing dredged materials from Connecticut to be dumped in the eastern region of the Long Island Sound. The actions taken by the State will help safeguard Long Island’s ecologically significant waterways and protect the billions of dollars that have been invested over the last decade in the restoration and cleanup of the Sound.
The Long Island Sound borders New York and Connecticut, and is considered one of the richest veins of biodiversity in the world. More than two dozen Important Bird Areas (IBAs) have been designated within the Long Island Sound ecosystem, which help support species like the federally threatened Piping Plover, federally endangered Roseate Tern, American Oystercatcher, and the rare Saltmarsh Sparrow. Working collaboratively with Audubon Connecticut and other partners, Audubon New York has been a leading voice in the protection and future health of Long Island’s coastal waters and IBAs. As Chair of the Policy Committee of the Long Island Sound Citizens Advisory Committee, Audubon New York has effectively advocated for the passage of the Long Island Restoration and Stewardship Act and funding for the Long Island Sound Study program.
Audubon New York thanks Governor Cuomo for his leadership and will work with our partners to ensure that EPA reverses its proposed DMMP.