Five years on, continuing our push for Renewable Rikers
February 27, 2026
Riverkeeper Team
This week marks the five-year anniversary of legislation to close the Rikers Island jail and transform the site by building a modern wastewater treatment plant, renewable energy, and composting facilities.
Riverkeeper and members of the Renewable Rikers Coalition (a group of formerly incarcerated individuals and affected families, prison reform advocates, and environmental justice groups) have worked tirelessly to finalize the closure and reimagine the land in ways that improve sustainability and cut down on sewer and stormwater pollution in New York City.
We will continue to push the administration and New York City Council to close the jail and fulfill the vision of Renewable Rikers
Riverkeeper and members of the Renewable Rikers Coalition (a group of formerly incarcerated individuals and affected families, prison reform advocates, and environmental justice groups) have worked tirelessly to finalize the closure and reimagine the land in ways that improve sustainability and cut down on sewer and stormwater pollution in New York City.
We will continue to push the administration and New York City Council to close the jail and fulfill the vision of Renewable Rikers
Related campaigns
Sewer and stormwater pollution
Working to keep sewage and street pollution out of our waterways
Strengthening protections against a changing climate
Supporting nature-based solutions to adapt to the impacts of climate change
Water quality monitoring
Riverkeeper is the go-to source for information about the quality of the water along the Hudson River and its tributaries
Related news
November 7, 2025
What’s next for Renewable Rikers
Update
February 17, 2021
NYC Council paves way for Renewable Rikers Island
Mike Dulong
Blog