Gillibrand, Suozzi Announce Inclusion Of Their Bill In Biden's Build Back Better Framework To Ensure Long Islanders Are Not Taxed On Upgraded Septic Systems

Press Release

U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and U.S. Representative Tom Suozzi announced that their bill to reverse a 2020 Internal Revenue Service (IRS) ruling that Suffolk County residents must pay taxes on county grants used to upgrade their septic tanks was included in President Biden's Build Back Better plan. Gillibrand and Rep. Suozzi previously introduced this bill in April.

"Finally, Long Islanders are one step closer to upgrading their septic tanks without the fear or burden of being taxed on the grants needed to improve their wastewaster infrastructure. This is good news for the environment, and good news for homeowners across the island. I will continue fighting to eliminate any unnecessary hurdles for New Yorkers who have been proactive in their efforts to upgrade their septic tanks," said Senator Gillibrand.

"Tax relief is on its way to Long Islanders who get grants to replace their septic systems! Working alongside Senator Gillibrand, we ensured Long Islanders will no longer be forced to pay taxes on basic environmental clean-up," said Representative Suozzi. "This is a win for environmental clean-up and the pocket books of hardworking, middle class families."

On Long Island, nitrogen pollution from septic tanks has been identified as the single largest contributor to deteriorating groundwater quality. According to Suffolk County officials, sewering low-lying South Shore areas reliant on septic systems would guard against coastal flooding by reducing nitrogen levels, allowing for the regrowth of wetlands that provide a natural storm buffer. About 360,000, or three-quarters of Suffolk homes, are not sewered, and many use cesspools that minimally treat wastewater before releasing it into the ground.

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