Riverkeeper analysis weighs progress and pitfalls in proposed 2026 New York State budget
Welcome major clean water investments, but state must preserve strong environmental review
January 22, 2026
Riverkeeper Team
Ossining, NY — January 22, 2026: In response to Governor Hochul’s proposed 2026 environmental agenda, Riverkeeper recognizes several important investments that advance clean water, public health, and long-term environmental protection, while also highlighting areas that warrant closer review.
“Governor Hochul’s proposed 2026 environmental agenda includes important investments that recognize how essential clean water is to public health and resilient communities,” said Jeremy Cherson, Riverkeeper Associate Director of Government Affairs. “Riverkeeper supports increased investments in clean water that promote smart growth and protect community health. As the budget moves forward, it’s critical that new infrastructure funds are allocated equitably and that the environmental review standards New Yorkers rely on remain strong.”
Below is our response to key elements of the Governor’s plan:
Support for clean water infrastructure and housing investments
Riverkeeper strongly supports the proposed additional $500 million investment in the core Clean Water Infrastructure Act programs. This funding recognizes that clean water is essential to public health, environmental protection, and economic stability.
While Riverkeeper appreciates the Governor’s acknowledgment that housing growth must be paired with investments in water infrastructure, we are eager to better understand how the additional $200 million for housing and water infrastructure and $50 million for rural housing and water will be allocated to ensure these funds are used effectively and equitably across New York State.
Commitment to the Environmental Protection Fund
Riverkeeper is grateful for the continued commitment to fund the Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) at $425 million. Within the EPF, we are particularly pleased to see the Hudson River Estuary Program receive $6.5 million and the Mohawk River Basin Program receive $1 million to advance their goals. However, we urge lawmakers to maintain last year’s $1.5 million investment in the Mohawk River and increase the Hudson’s investment to $7 million. These investments will help protect and restore critical ecosystems, strengthen climate resilience, and support the communities that rely on these waterways.
Protecting drinking water at the source
The continued emphasis in both the EPF and the Clean Water Infrastructure Act on source water protection is especially notable. One of the most effective ways to protect drinking water is to provide communities with the tools to proactively plan for and safeguard their water supplies before problems arise. The programs included in this budget do exactly that, helping to prevent contamination, reduce long-term costs, and protect public health.
Preserving strong environmental review standards
Riverkeeper is closely reviewing the proposed changes to New York’s keystone environmental review law (the State Environmental Quality Review Act, or SEQRA) included in the Governor’s budget. It is critical that any modifications maintain the rigorous environmental standards New Yorkers have come to expect. New York’s environmental progress over the past five decades did not happen by chance — SEQRA has played a central role in that success. Efforts to streamline review processes must not come at the expense of environmental protections or meaningful community engagement.
ABOUT RIVERKEEPER
Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. Our core programs improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on our waterways. Founded in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper became the model for more than 320 Waterkeeper organizations around the world and helped establish globally-recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection. We continue to work toward the goal of a swimmable, fishable, and drinkable Hudson River for all. Learn more, get updates, and support our work by visiting riverkeeper.org.
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