October 1, 2026
Science, Solutions and Statewide Action Take Center Stage
The agenda is officially set for the 2026 New York State Salt Summit, presented by the Times Union, bringing a full day of science, policy, practical training and proven solutions to Albany on October 8.
Now in its 11th year — and expanding statewide for the first time — the Summit will bring together policymakers, municipal and highway professionals, scientists, businesses and environmental leaders to tackle one of New York’s most widespread water quality challenges: reducing road salt pollution while maintaining safe winter roads.
From the latest freshwater science and New York’s changing winters to drinking water, public policy, salt supply and live demonstrations, the newly released agenda reflects the Summit’s expanded statewide focus.
From Science to Statewide Solutions
The day will begin with a welcome from LGA President and CEO Dr. Brendan Wiltse and Congressman Paul Tonko before diving into the science behind road salt pollution.
Researchers Dr. Sarah Whorley of Daemen University and Dr. John Jackson of Stroud Water Research Institute will explore what current research reveals about road salt's impacts on freshwater. A second session turns toward New York's changing winters, featuring Climate Central climate scientist Dr. Zachary Labe, WNYT meteorologist Paul Caiano and Mark Shanaberger of trueWeather.
Running concurrently, WIT Advisers' Highway Academy will provide practical training for those responsible for keeping New York's roads safe, with a focus on Sustainable Winter Management (SWiM) and proven approaches to smarter salt use.
Bringing Road Salt Policy to Albany
The Summit's move to Albany puts public policy at the center of the conversation.
Moderated by Dan Clark of the Times Union, From Science to Policy: Advancing Road Salt Solutions in New York will feature New York Assembly Members Michael Cashman and Carrie Woerner, Judy Hansen of the American Water Works Association and Andrew Williams of the Adirondack Council.
The panel will examine opportunities, challenges and policy pathways for accelerating sustainable winter maintenance across New York in the wake of the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force report and Croton Salinity Study.
That conversation leads directly into one of the day's most important statewide issues: drinking water.
From Roads to Faucets: Road Salt and New York's Drinking Water will bring together Dr. Shannon Roback of Riverkeeper, Ty Fuller of the Suffolk County Water Authority and Adam Bosch of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection to examine how salt moves into groundwater and drinking water supplies — and what those findings mean for communities, water managers and policymakers.
Taking Solutions Outside the Conference Room
After lunch, attendees will head outdoors for Solutions in Action, featuring live demonstrations of equipment, technologies and operational practices designed to improve salt application, increase efficiency and reduce unnecessary use while keeping roads safe.
The afternoon then tackles an issue fresh in the minds of many New Yorkers after last winter: salt supply.
When the Salt Runs Short: Supply, Safety and Resilience, moderated by Larry Rulison, will bring together representatives from American Rock Salt, New York's Office of Transportation Maintenance, municipal highway operations and the private sector to examine last winter's supply challenges and how smarter salt management can strengthen resilience.
The final sessions turn toward scaling solutions across sectors. David Orr of Cornell Local Roads and Leila Mitchell of the NYSDEC Division of Water will highlight statewide initiatives, followed by a discussion featuring Fort William Henry Corporation, Wegmans Food Markets and Custom Landscaping about smarter salt use on private properties such as parking lots and sidewalks.
The Summit concludes with SWiM certification awards, closing remarks from Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky, PE, and a networking reception.
One Day. One Statewide Challenge.
For more than a decade, Lake George and Adirondack communities have helped demonstrate that significant road salt reductions are possible without compromising winter road safety.
On October 8, we're taking that conversation statewide.
The 2026 New York State Salt Summit is free to attend, but advance registration is required.
Thursday, October 8 | 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
