In DC, Riverkeeper pushes for cleaner waters at home
May 6, 2025
Jeremy Cherson
Associate Director of Government Affairs
jeremyc@riverkeeper.org
Last week, Riverkeeper traveled to Capitol Hill for a series of meetings with legislators from both sides of the aisle.
These meetings are part of our wider strategy that uses concerted, targeted actions that — backed by science — effectively move the needle toward cleaner, safer water.
At the top of our agenda were concerns about recent federal workforce layoffs and cuts to core programs — particularly within key agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both of which play critical roles along the Hudson River.
We used the meetings to push back against the EPA’s recent (non) decision regarding the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site. We heard from many members of Congress who share our frustration, as reflected by the 15 member-strong bipartisan letter we organized and sent earlier this year to the EPA.
In total, we met with 10 congressional offices in a whirlwind day representing constituents from New York City to the High Peaks and lakes of the Adirondacks, and west to the Mohawk River. Through all these conversations, we made it clear that clean water is non-negotiable and we expect representatives to stand for science and policies that support healthy communities. This pressure has a real impact, resulting in legal victories that help fund restoration, or getting legislation over the line that protects our waterways.
Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown also provided testimony at the EPA headquarters on the “Waters of the United States” rule, which will determine how far the current administration will go in limiting the scope of the Clean Water Act. We strongly oppose many of the proposed changes that would weaken the effectiveness of this landmark environmental law.
One consistent refrain we heard from congress members throughout our trip — which support from members like you made possible — was that your emails and phone calls have a direct effect on the legislation they support or oppose, and other actions they take. Your voice matters, and Riverkeeper will continue to use our presence to amplify its impact for the Hudson and waters across the country.
Learn more and take action.
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Hudson River PCBs
Without effective action, the health risks and impacts to those living, working, and playing within the 200-mile stretch of the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site will persist for generations to come
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The Hudson River watershed is home to a breathtaking diversity of life. Protecting and restoring our aquatic habitats is critical for their renewal and for a healthy future for all life in the watershed
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Riverkeeper is the go-to source for information about the quality of the water along the Hudson River and its tributaries
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