Congress is considering legislation that some environmentalists say would seriously hamper New York state's efforts to protect public health, air, land and groundwater.

The bill would update the Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 - a law aimed at regulating chemicals found in everyday products.

Federal lawmakers have been negotiating this new measure for months, but Adrienne Esposito, of the Citizens Campaign for the Environment, says it would prevent states from having stricter laws than the federal government regarding toxic substances.

"We're very nervous that this will pass. This would change everything in New York and really make us weaker and more vulnerable to toxic exposure and that's the last thing we need," Esposito tells News 12 Long Island.