Riverkeeper inserts itself into the development review process by using the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). SEQRA requires that the potential environmental impacts of government actions, such as approving a development project, are thoroughly considered. The SEQRA process allows for public participation, so that government agencies can make a fully informed decision.

We are also actively involved in promoting local empowerment of citizens and groups to monitor and engage in development proposals that affect their tributaries and communities. Riverkeeper is a member and facilitator of several coalitions that seek to protect tributaries of the Hudson.

Riverkeeper participates in several regional policy and advocacy groups that foster long range planning for water quality protection, sustainable development and increased access.