Nonprofit shares how state budget could impact environment
Workers at Save the Sound say there are some elements of the budget that are worth celebrating and other elements that they are concerned about.
A regional nonprofit is speaking out about how the new state budget could impact the environment.
Those who work at Save the Sound, like David Ansel, say their mission is simple - "to protect and restore the Long Island Sound."
Beyond their hands-on work, Ansel says the group also pushes for policy change. It's why he says the organization is weighing in on the new state budget.
"The good news in the budget is we got money for water infrastructure, which is very important for water quality," Ansel says.
On the other hand, Ansel says the group also has some serious concerns about the budget. Specifically, about changes to the state's climate law that he says could delay emissions reductions.
"We're already living through the climate challenges now. We're also very concerned about the rollback to the State Environmental Quality Review Act because this is an opportunity for communities to evaluate developmental proposals and make sure their environment is going to be safe and secure," Ansel says.
News 12 reached out to Gov. Kathy Hochul's office for comment, but hasn't heard back yet.
In the meantime, Ansel says the group plans to keep fighting for the environment.
"We're going to be in Albany for the next week fighting for other legislation to help protect New Yorkers," Ansel says. "Then we'll be right back at it next year, trying to fix these changes."
