Environmental Protection Fund celebrates 20 years

Elected officials, state agencies and conservation groups gathered yesterday at Belmont Lake State Park in West Babylon to celebrate the 20th anniversary of a state fund dedicated to environmental protection.

Since 1993, the NYS Environmental Protection Fund has provided more than $1 billion to support critical programs that protect clean water, public health, and industries such as agriculture and tourism, according to the Nature Conservancy on Long Island. Of that money, the group noted, more than $200 million has gone to Long Island.

The event also honored Assemb. Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst), who the Nature Conservancy stated is “a champion of the EPF” in his role as chairman of the Assembly’s Environmental Conservation Committee. State Sen. Phil Boyle (R-Bay Shore), Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove), Assemb. Phil Ramos (D-Brentwood) and Assemb. Fred Thiele (I-Sag Harbor) were also recognized for helping the EPF expand.