In response to court setback, Riverkeeper presses for a protected Hudson
September 30, 2025
Riverkeeper Team
A federal court has struck down the Save the Hudson Act. This New York law was preventing Holtec from dumping over a million gallons of radioactive wastewater from Indian Point into the Hudson River. Riverkeeper is deeply disappointed by the ruling, which found – even following intense public outcry against the discharges – that federal regulations preclude the rights of New Yorkers.
Riverkeeper President and Hudson Riverkeeper Tracy Brown reacted to the ruling:
“As the health of the Hudson River improves, communities are increasingly realizing the vast and awe-inspiring recreational opportunities that the river provides. Holtec’s plan to release millions of gallons of tritiated wastewater into the Hudson River will depress interest in tourism and recreation in the Hudson Valley. After how far we have come in remediating both the Hudson and people’s relationship with it, this is the last thing our communities need. Riverkeeper urges New York State to appeal this ruling.”
Holtec also recently stirred new concerns by suggesting Indian Point could be repowered or host a new small nuclear reactor — despite a legal agreement requiring full support from local and state governments for any new nuclear project. At the latest Decommissioning Oversight Board meeting, Riverkeeper pressed the company for clarity. We will continue to hold Holtec accountable and we remain committed to ensuring that neither legacy contamination nor any future development at the site threatens the Hudson River or surrounding communities.
New York State and Holtec have a court-mandated conference scheduled for October 9, during which the parties may attempt to come to a compromise regarding the discharge of tritiated wastewater.
