On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, Suffolk County voters resoundingly approved Ballot Proposition 2, the Suffolk County Water Quality Restoration Act. This landmark decision will generate $4 billion to modernize wastewater infrastructure and combat nitrogen pollution, along with $2 billion to conserve open spaces and protect clean drinking water by safeguarding wildlife habitats. This monumental, non-partisan vote is a turning point in the decades-long effort to restore Long Island’s beaches, bays, and harbors.
“We may have found the one thing (almost) all of us agree on: Seven out of ten Suffolk County residents just told us that clean water is worth it. Whether it’s at our dinner table or in the Great South Bay, the sweeping passage of Suffolk County’s Clean Water Act marks a turning point for the environment. There are better days ahead… for us, for our children, and one day, for our grandchildren,” said Dr. James Bertsch, Board Member and Co-chair of the Creek Defender Program.
Suffolk County residents turned out in force on Election Day to vote YES on Prop 2, showing their commitment to protecting water quality for future generations. This victory is the result of decades of dedication and collaboration among community groups, scientists, and advocates who have worked tirelessly to address the universal need for clean water—a goal that transcends politics.
“I am so proud of Suffolk County and its decisive vote to recognize a longstanding environmental issue and take meaningful action. Completing the Suffolk sewer system is essential for preserving our clean water. With the leadership of Save The Great South Bay and many others, we can restore the bay to its pristine condition. Suffolk residents deserve a big ‘atta boy’ for this,” said Wayne Horsely, Board Member.
Organizations like Save The Great South Bay and local partners have played a vital role in raising awareness, advocating for policy changes, and building a diverse coalition to restore Suffolk’s waterways. With Prop 2’s passage, Suffolk County can now tackle nitrogen pollution at its source—replacing outdated septic systems and expanding sewer infrastructure. This effort will restore Long Island’s once-thriving shellfish, seagrasses, salt marshes, and wildlife.
“It starts with all of us. Suffolk County delivered a resounding ‘yes’—clean water matters. I know it personally, as a water sports business owner and a parent. Without clean water, we can’t paddle, swim, or fish. With the Clean Water Act in place, we can move forward and make the difference our future needs. This is a pivotal step toward completing the Suffolk sewer system and revitalizing the Great South Bay. Congratulations to our entire community for recognizing this critical issue and taking action,” said Karen Marvin, Board Member at Save the Great South Bay.
Prop 2 also empowers Suffolk County to leverage billions more in matching funds from state and federal water quality programs. This funding will conserve natural resources, restore vital habitats, protect public health, and create thousands of jobs across the county. We are deeply grateful to our local and state leaders, community partners, and voters for their commitment to clean water. Special thanks to Governor Hochul, State Senator Martinez, Assemblyman Thiele, County Executive Romaine, and Presiding Officer McCaffrey for their leadership.
“The launch of our South Shore Bays Collaborative Monitoring Program is timely, as it will provide a way to measure the progress of this massive nitrogen reduction investment. The resulting Report Card will keep all stakeholders, especially Suffolk County residents, informed on improvements in the health of the Great South Bay and beyond,” said Rhianna Quinn Roddy, Board Member.
As coastal communities across the nation face similar challenges from nitrogen pollution, rising sea levels, and aging infrastructure, Prop 2 stands as an inspiring model for protecting public health, reducing pollution, and restoring our precious marine environments.
‘This is truly a legacy proposal. 50 years since the Clean Water Act, 75 years of population growth in Suffolk County, and 40+ years since the founding of the LI Pine Barrens Society—-finally a comprehensive County-wide plan to protect our water resources. Onward!”, declared Andy Mirchel, Board Member and Director of the Great South Bay Oyster Project.