Preserve River Ecology - Press Releases

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has released an Interim Report discussing its six conceptual plans for storm surge protections in New York Harbor. The Interim Report and a schedule of eight public meetings in March and April are part of the Corps’ New York – New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries (NYNJHAT) Coastal Storm Risk Management Feasibility Study. John Lipscomb, Riverkeeper Patrol Boat Captain and Vice President of Advocacy, said: “We’re glad that the Corps is responding to the public’s demand for more information and transparency in its review of […]

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The New York State Senate today passed legislation to prevent the use of "purse seines," the enormous nets being used by industrial fishing operations, to harvest Atlantic menhaden (also known as “bunker”) in New York State waters. The Assembly passed the measure on Monday (A.2571/S.2317). The bill goes to Governor Cuomo's office for his signature.

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In response to public demands for transparency, Corps promises ‘interim report’ in study of anti-flooding plans for New York Harbor. Riverkeeper, community groups & thousands of individuals voice opposition to ‘hell gates’ that would permanently harm the Hudson River ecosystem. In response to demands for transparency, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is promising to release a report Feb. 19, followed by public meetings in March and April, to provide further information on six conceptual plans for storm surge protections in New York Harbor. The Corps had intended to choose […]

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Kingston, NY — Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein signed the Bring Your Own Bag Act (The BYOBag Act) of Ulster County on Friday, October 19th during a press conference in his office. The seminal law marks the first county in New York State to implement the gold standard of policies to eliminate the use of single-use plastic bags — a ban on plastic bags with a 5-cent fee on recycled paper bags. Additionally, to protect economically vulnerable communities, the legislation will be amended to exempt those community members on SNAP […]

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Barriers would have devastating effects on Hudson River ecology; Timeline is revamped in response to demands for public participation and details of plans OSSINING — After months of public pressure, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has agreed to allow more time and transparency before advancing any of its storm flood protection plans for New York Harbor – many of which have potentially devastating consequences for the Hudson River ecosystem. Six conceptual plans are currently under review in the Corps’ New York – New Jersey Harbor and Tributaries (NYNJHAT) Coastal […]

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In response to an announcement today by Global Companies (Oil company abandons possible tar sands oil facility at Port of Albany) Riverkeeper Senior Attorney Erin Doran said: “Riverkeeper is pleased to see that Global has withdrawn its misguided request to add boilers to handle heavy crude at its Albany Terminal. “This is a second major victory for the protection of the Hudson River this year – coming after the defeat of industry’s request for new anchorage grounds to facilitate the transport of more crude oil. Along with our partners, we […]

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Advocates appreciate Governor Cuomo’s attention to the issue but say that a ban/fee policy is more effective than the Governor’s ban only legislation.

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Illegal permit allowed industrial animal operations to prepare pollution prevention plans without agency oversight or public input, threatening drinking and recreational waters

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Riverkeeper, Waterford & Halfmoon call for DEC investigation as decision is pending on property’s future Waterford, N.Y. – Local leaders from Waterford and Halfmoon, together with Riverkeeper, announced new sampling results that raise concern about contamination of the Mohawk River by the Town of Colonie Landfill, and renewed their call for further investigation by the State Department of Environmental Conservation. Town of Waterford Supervisor John Lawler announced findings from sampling of the Mohawk River and outfalls immediately adjacent to the Colonie Landfill on the shore of the river. Sample results […]

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