“Clean water is a basic human right. Our communities want and deserve clean water for drinking, fishing, and swimming; clean air to breathe; and natural areas for recreation and aesthetic purposes.” -- Lisa Rainwater, Riverkeeper Policy Director.

For forty-plus years, Riverkeeper has been the Hudson Valley’s chief law enforcer when it comes to safeguarding our water resources. Riverkeeper established a Policy Department in 2007 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 our legal work and advance its mission. In Riverkeeper’s Clean Water & Healthy Communities – Legislative and Policy Agenda 2008, we discuss our commitment to a Clean Water National Trust Fund, our plans for promoting Smart Growth, our legislative priorities and policy initiatives that protect wetlands and habitat, improve Nuclear Oversight, increase and secure Green Funding, and encourage Smart Energy use and production in New York State.

In the coming months, Riverkeeper will engage our members to ensure that clean water is a top priority at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

We ask you to help us build our Clean Water Community by engaging your friends, families, and colleages in issues important to protecting our Hudson River and communities. effort to protect New York’s water.

Together, we can secure our basic human right for generations to come.

We look forward to working with you!