WASHINGTON—Today, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) applauded a recent commitment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce nitrogen levels in the Long Island Sound. Excessive nitrogen, which is caused by sewage treatment plants, fertilizers, and tributary sources among other factors, reduces oxygen levels in water, killing marine animals and plants. The EPA’s actions came after local environmental advocates submitted a petition demanding a revised Nitrogen Reduction Strategy, which hasn’t been updated since 2000.

“Though we are making progress, last summer was disastrous for wildlife in the Long Island Sound. Thanks to the hard work of local advocates like Save the Sound, we are in a better place today,” said Murphy. “The EPA’s actions to further reduce nitrogen is long overdue, and I’ll be working hard with local partners to make sure that the EPA keeps its word and that Connecticut, New York, and upstream states each do their part.”

Connecticut reduced its nitrogen levels by over 50% due largely to upgraded sewage treatment plants along the Sound, while New York has not yet met the federal mandate for nitrogen reduction. The EPA’s new plan does not include new nitrogen mandates, but the EPA will focus on improving low-oxygen zones, reducing toxic algae blooms, protecting salt marshes, and preventing ocean acidification through local mitigation plans.

The petition to the EPA was led by Save the Sound and co-signed by Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Connecticut River Watershed Council, Environment Connecticut, Environmental and Natural Resources Law Clinic, Friends of the Bay, Rivers Alliance of Connecticut and Long Island Soundkeeper.