Long Island environmentalists are celebrating now that the $3 billion Environmental Bond Act is once again back on the table for New York lawmakers.

The bond would allocate $1 billion for shoreline protection, another half a billion for land preservation and recreational areas, and another half billion for wastewater treatment and drinking water upgrades. The proposal was first introduced last year by Gov. Andrew Cuomo as a way to fund green projects statewide, but the pandemic put that on hold.

Supporters say all of the these upgrades not only benefit the quality of life on Long Island, but also create jobs.

Todd Shaw grew up on the Great South Bay and remembers a time when the Bay was crystal clear and full of life.

Now, the Great South Bay's shellfish population has been decimated and much of the marine habitat destroyed by toxic tides caused by nitrogen from cesspools and fertilizers.

Shaw is part of a group called Save the Great South Bay. The group is working to restore the 50 creeks that run into the Bay by planting native plants and campaigning against the use of fertilizers and pesticides.

"If the water was as crystal clear as it was when I was a boy then I wouldn't be doing this," says Shaw.

If the Bond Act passes, it will be placed up for a vote by the public in Nov. 2022.