Addabbo Introduces Bill to Permanently Protect Jamaica Bay Waters

Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. introduced a bill (S.4165) which would permanently extend protection of the Jamaica Bay waters making it safer for current and future generations.

“The impact Hurricane Sandy had on our community serves as a stark reminder of the importance in taking care of our environment,” said Addabbo. “We have already implemented eco-friendly programs like switching to paper straws, using reusable bags and water bottles to lessen our impact on the environment. Our local economy depends a great deal on Jamaica Bay so it is essential we do all we can to protect it for future generations,”Addabbo said.

In 2016, a bill was chaptered into law addressing the longstanding problem of using sub-quality dredging material to fill in borrow pits but it will expire on June 30, 2022. Prior to 2016, dredging materials used to fill in borrow pits in Jamaica Bay posed a threat to the local community and ecosystem. Addabbo’s bill would permanently extend the US Army Corps of Engineers responsibility for regulating the types of materials used in the dredging process and provide Jamaica Bay the same protections as federal waters.

The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Environmental Conservation.