Palumbo, Thiele & Giglio Host Virtual Environmental Roundtable

Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) hosted a virtual Environmental Roundtable today with Assemblyman Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (R,C-Riverhead). The east end state lawmakers were joined by local elected officials, environmental advocates, and area stakeholders for the annual event.  

“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 Senator Anthony Palumbo. “These environmental issues ranging from water quality, conservation, agriculture, and land management are critical for the region and the health of our communities.”   

“Every year, it is an honor to join the Environmental Roundtable – a conversation centered on the fact that Long Island’s unique and beautiful coastal environment is worthy of fierce protection,” said Assemblyman 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. I want to thank the participants of this year’s Roundtable and look forward to continuing this important work.” 

“On the east end, our 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. I am pleased to once again participate in this roundtable and honored to be able to continue to fight for state funding to preserve the environment that we all love,” said Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio. She added, “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.” 

“We are fortunate to have so many elected officials, organizations and residents dedicated to protecting the natural resources that make our area such a desirable place to live. Whether it's our waterways, drinking water, or the open spaces we share with nature, we have hard-working advocates making sure these immeasurable assets are protected for generations to come. I'm honored to be part of the Environmental Roundtable and will continue to be a steadfast supporter of its mission of protecting our precious environment,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. 

Participants at this year’s 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.  

During the roundtable discussion, panelist and participants spoke about several key issues including fully funding the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), passing this year’s $4 Billion Environmental Bond, increasing regional DEC 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, preserving Plum Island, land and farmland conservation and protecting the region’s shorelines and waterways.  

“Today’s Environmental Roundtable discussion was informative and productive,” said Senator Palumbo. “I am grateful to everyone who participated and for sharing their knowledge on issues that are critically important to the local environment and the health of residents.”