New York Attorney General Letitia James and Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar announced the completion of the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund (GCEF). The program, which invested over $68.6 million in environmental initiatives for Greenpoint, Brooklyn, was established with funds from New York state’s 2010 settlement with ExxonMobil. This settlement addressed the company's responsibility for a massive oil spill that contaminated land and groundwater in Greenpoint.
The GCEF created public space enhancements, infrastructure improvements, and environmental education programs. Notable projects included a new public library and environmental education center, a tree planting program, and major park upgrades. In total, GCEF awarded 77 grants to various initiatives selected with input from the Greenpoint community.
“After we held ExxonMobil accountable for its careless destruction of the Greenpoint environment, the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund has invested millions of dollars in restoring the neighborhood and bringing residents together,” said Attorney General James. “From a new public library to vibrant green space improvements, this community-led effort directly supported the initiatives that residents wanted.”
“The successful implementation of the Greenpoint Community Environmental Fund is an excellent example of state government working with New Yorkers to hold responsible parties accountable for legacy industrial pollution to benefit both community residents and the environment,” said DEC Interim Commissioner Mahar.
Greenpoint residents played a direct role in prioritizing four specific areas: funding education and environmental stewardship; greening the community; revitalizing parks and open spaces; and restoring waterfront infrastructure. An advisory panel comprised of community members guided every stage of development and implementation.
Projects funded by GCEF include:
- The $5 million Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center.
- The Greenpoint Eco-Schools project that provided hands-on environmental education to more than 4,700 students.
- Greening Greenpoint initiative that engaged nearly 3,000 volunteers in planting trees and flowers.
- Monsignor McGolrick Park Restoration with an investment of approximately $840,000.
The GCEF was established by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) and DEC in 2011 after New York state obtained a settlement with ExxonMobil over its oil spill in Greenpoint. The spill released at least 17 million gallons of oil contaminating more than 50 acres of soil and groundwater.
With matching contributions from grantees, GCEF tripled its funds into a total investment exceeding $68.6 million. Nearly 70 community meetings were convened to educate residents about the program.
“Our communities are on the frontlines in the fight against climate change,” said Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez. “Over the last decade, this significant investment has gone a long way to provide resources for environmental programs.”
Assemblymember Emily Gallagher expressed gratitude: “Although no amount of money can make up for the environmental harm ExxonMobil brought to our neighborhood, funding these incredible projects has been a beautiful start.”
Council Member Lincoln Restler noted: “GCEF has been a model for holding a corporate polluter accountable... I’m extremely grateful to Attorney General Letitia James.”
Christine Holowacz stated: “I am very proud of what GCEF accomplished... I thank the Attorney General’s Office and DEC for their commitment.”
Dewey Thompson highlighted: “GCEF offered transformational grants... creating synergies between grantees.”
Janine Murphy and Jodie Love from Friends of McGolrick Park acknowledged ongoing support: “Thanks to past investments... recent upgrades have made our ‘local backyard’ safer.”
Linda E. Johnson reported on library success: “Four years after opening... it is one of the busiest branches in the borough.”
The OAG received support from various organizations including National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and North Brooklyn Development Corporation.
This matter was handled by attorneys in DEC's Office of General Counsel as well as OAG’s Policy Advisor Peter C. Washburn under Bureau Chief Lemuel M. Srolovic.