Clean Water Transcends Politics: Voters Approve $6 Billion to Protect Clean Water and Revitalize Long Island’s Coasts

Today, Suffolk County voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Proposition 2, the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. This landmark victory for clean water will generate $4 billion to modernize wastewater infrastructure and protect Long Island’s waters from nitrogen pollution and $2 billion to protect clean drinking water by conserving open space and wildlife habitats. This monumental non-partisan decision marks a turning point in the decades-long effort to restore Long Island’s beaches, bays, and harbors. 

The Nature Conservancy’s Long Island Policy Advisor Kevin McDonald said, "Suffolk County residents showed up this election day and voted YES to protect our water for generations to come! This victory is the culmination of decades of work and shows the power of dedication and collaboration. The universal need for clean water transcends all politics.” 

The Nature Conservancy has been a key leader in spearheading scientific research, securing major policy victories, and building a diverse coalition to restore ecosystem health. With the approval of Prop 2, Suffolk County now has the means to restore clean water and healthy coasts by stopping nitrogen pollution from its main source: 380,000 polluting septic systems. Prop 2 will expand sewers and finance clean water septic system replacements. This will finally turn the tide on water pollution and bring back the island’s once bountiful shellfish, seagrasses, salt marshes, and wildlife.

Thanks to federal and state funding, Prop 2 will also help Suffolk County leverage billions of dollars more in matching funds from state and federal water quality improvement programs. Prop 2 will conserve natural resources, restore wildlife habitat, protect public health, and create thousands of good jobs across the county. The Nature Conservancy is grateful to local and state leaders, our many partners, and the voters for their dedication to clean water. We thank Governor Hochul, State Senator Martinez, Assemblyman Thiele, County Executive Romaine, and Presiding Officer Mccaffrey for their ongoing leadership.

Across the country, many coastal communities face similar threats from nitrogen pollution, risings seas, and outdated infrastructure. Prop 2 will serve as an important model on how to protect public health, stop pollution, and restore the health of our marine environment nationwide.