Senator Anthony Palumbo and Assembly members Fred Thiele and Jodi Giglio Hold Environmental Roundtable Event in Riverhead

Senator Anthony Palumbo (R,C-New Suffolk) hosted an Environmental Roundtable event today at the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead  with Assemblyman Fred Thiele (AD-1) and Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio (AD-2). This annual meeting brings together the region’s elected officials, environmental advocates, and area stakeholders to discuss and build upon past efforts to protect the environment and natural resources here on Long Island as well as concerns and issues that will help shape this year’s legislative agenda. “It was great to be back in-person for this year’s Environmental Roundtable and to hear from area organizations and individuals dedicated to protecting the environment, our region’s drinking water and preserving open space,” said Senator Anthony Palumbo. “I am thankful for the community leaders and elected officials who took the time to offer their thoughtful insights and contributions throughout this important conversation. Environmental conservation and protection is a critical part of maintaining the East End's unique quality of life, supporting our tourism and agriculture sectors and ensuring future generations have clean water to drink, air to breathe and pristine beaches and waterways to enjoy.”  

Assemblyman Fred Thiele said: “Addressing climate change, preserving open space, protecting water quality and the health of our families is paramount for the future of the East End of Long Island, where our environment is our economy. I look forward to continuing to expand on the success of this Environmental Roundtable in partnership with Senator Palumbo and Assemblywoman Giglio as we fight to secure critical funding to protect our water, habitat and wildlife. We continue to work in partnership with local government, community leaders and environmental groups to meet these goals. I thank the participants of this year’s Roundtable for their input, which will help shape our legislative and budget priorities in Albany and on the East End for 2023.”

Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio said: “Success on the East End begins with our environment. The success of agriculture, of aquaculture; farming and fishing, is the foundation upon which all the other successes you see are built. Caring for our environment has brought families to our island to work, play, and thrive, and because of this we must continue our united support for preserving our natural resources. I am honored to be a part of preserving our environment, and I am proud to be a part of this Environmental Roundtable.  I will continue to fight for clean water, clean air, and clean land for the health, enjoyment, and futures of all our families.” 

“I want to thank my colleagues for hosting an Environmental Roundtable that included many knowledgeable attendees to help legislators understand the issues and therefore craft meaningful legislation throughout this session. As a lifelong Long Islander, protecting our natural resources for the rest of our great and beautiful state is a top priority of mine, and I am proud to serve on the Assembly Committee on Environmental Conservation. Without these types of conversations and proper plans of action for the future, New York and its surrounding states would not have the means to support tourism, clean waterways, or fresh drinking water, among other environmental necessities,” said Assemblyman Ed Flood (R,C-Port Jefferson). 

“This year’s Roundtable comes at a critical time for Long Island’s environmental future,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “We must maintain our focus on preserving farmland and open space, protecting our water resources and making sure we have a safe, affordable plan to handle our waste management needs.” 

Organizations in attendance at today’s Environmental Roundtable include: Long Island Pine Barrens Society, SUNY Stony Brook University, Peconic Land Trust, Long Island Farm Bureau, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development & Planning, East Hampton International Dark Sky Association, Save the Sound, North Fork Environmental Council, Setauket Harbor Task Force, The Nature Conservancy, Suffolk County Community College Sustainability Program, PJ Citizens for Open Space, Peconic Baykeeper, NY Sea Grant, Brookhaven Town Supervisor Ed Romaine, Southold Town Supervisor Scott Russell, Village of Westhampton Beach Mayor Maria Moore, Congressman Nick LaLota, and Suffolk County Legislators Sarah Anker, Al Krupski, Dominick Thorne and Bridget Fleming.

“The passage of last year’s environmental bond act has given the state the resources needed to provide greater environmental protections and reduce the state’s carbon emissions. It is our duty as lawmakers to ensure this funding is spent wisely and on programs and initiatives that will have the greatest positive impact. Today’s conversation is an important step forward in meeting this critical goal,” concluded Senator Anthony Palumbo. 

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