New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo (R, C-New Suffolk) today hosted his 6th annual Environmental Roundtable event at the Suffolk County Community College Culinary Arts and Hospitality Center in Riverhead.  This annual meeting brings together the region’s elected officials, environmental advocates, and area stakeholders to discuss statewide and local concerns such as protecting the region’s drinking water, open space and farmland. Input from advocates and experts helps to formulate and prioritize this year’s State legislative agenda.

 “With over 50 participants, this year’s Environmental Roundtable was not only our largest event, but it was also one of our most constructive.” said Senator Anthony Palumbo. “From discussing the need to secure Suffolk County’s fair share of Environmental Protection Funding, to solid waste removal, clean water initiatives and SEQRA changes, we discussed a host of state and local issues that will have a direct impact on Long Islanders. I am thankful for the thoughtful insights and engagement from today’s event, which are invaluable to our ongoing efforts to preserve the East End's unique quality of life, protect our environment and natural resources and promote our agricultural and aquacultural industries.”

Organizations in attendance at today’s Environmental Roundtable include: Brookhaven National Lab, Central Pine Barrens Commission, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Concerned Citizens of Montauk, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, East Hampton International Dark Sky Association, Long Island Farm Bureau, Long Island Pine Barrens Society, Long Island Progressive Coalition, NY Sea Grant, The Nature Conservancy, North Fork Environmental Council, Open Space Counsel, Peconic Bay Keeper, Peconic Estuary, Peconic Estuary Partnership, Peconic Land Trust, Quogue-Sinclair Fuel, Inc., Save the Sound, Sea Grant, Stony Brook University, Surfrider Foundation, and Vision Long Island.

 Area officials joining the roundtable were Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine; Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio; Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni; Brookhaven Town Supervisor Dan Panico; Riverhead Town Supervisor Jerry Halpin; Southold Town Supervisor Al Krupski; Southampton Town Supervisor Maria Moore; Suffolk County Legislators Chad Lennon, Anne Welker, Greg Doroski, and Steve Englebright; Oldfield Mayor Tom Gulbransen; and Westhampton Dunes Mayor Ralph Urban.

“I want to thank all our elected officials and participants for joining today’s Environmental Roundtable and for their continued efforts in helping to promote better environmental and conservation policies,” said Senator Palumbo. “Bringing various groups together to hear their concerns, listen to their thoughts on proposals, and work toward thoughtful solutions allows state officials to enact better policy and collaborate with every level of government on important issues that will affect residents for years to come.”