Letter from Hudson Riverkeeper Alex Matthiessen

After years of systemic and sustained environmental degradation and neglect, Americans are waking up to the myriad threats facing our planet. Global climate change, a looming national energy crisis and a failing national water infrastructure system are just some of the sobering challenges we face.

In 2009, we will mark the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s “discovery” of the Hudson River and the 200th anniversary of Robert Fulton’s invention of the steam engine that powered an explosion of commerce on the Hudson starting in the early 19th century. These pivotal achievements, and many others since, set New York apart as a leader in scientific innovation, finance, culture and the arts. In this new century, we face some of the most daunting environmental challenges civilization has ever encountered. The people of New York must embrace our state’s historic role as a national leader by seeking more stringent enforcement of our environmental laws and by enacting new legislation that will create incentives for businesses to protect, rather than further harm, our shared environment.

For forty-plus years, Riverkeeper has been the Hudson Valley’s chief law enforcer when it comes to safeguarding our water resources. Our success here on the Hudson spawned an international movement of waterkeepers that today numbers 172 groups worldwide. And make no mistake—Riverkeeper will continue to be the Hudson Valley’s number one environmental law enforcer for years to come. But despite Riverkeeper’s singularly effective model of advocacy, we need to supplement our litigation strategies with a more far-reaching and lasting approach. With this goal in mind, Riverkeeper established a policy department last summer in recognition of the important role public policy must play in our efforts to bring about the permanent protection of the Hudson River and the New York City drinking water supply.

Working closely with Riverkeeper’s Hudson River and Watershed staff, the Policy Department has identified legislative initiatives that will support Riverkeeper’s legal work and advance our mission. In Riverkeeper’s inaugural Legislative and Policy Agenda for 2008 , we present our long-term policy initiatives, our priorities for federal action and state action, and our continuing coalition work with New York partners.

We look forward to working with you and our elected representatives in Albany and Washington to advance the vital goals highlighted in this agenda. The quality of our state’s land, air, and water and the health of our citizens are depending on our ability to come together to create a sustainable future for New York.