evidence: New York is the only state that borders both the Great Lakes and the Atlantic Ocean. [...] - ^ Edmondson, Brad (2001). "Publication #72—Environmental Affairs in New York State: A Historical Overview" (PDF). New York State Archives. pp. 7–9. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 24, 2021. Retrieved April 1, 2017. [...] Our new ranking puts the Big Apple firmly on top.