Riverkeeper urges NY Assembly to stop radioactive wastewater discharge from Indian Point
State Senate passed key legislation with unanimous, bipartisan vote; Assembly should follow suit during upcoming special session
Riverkeeper, the leading environmental organization dedicated to protecting the Hudson River, applauds the unanimous bipartisan Senate passage of crucial legislation aimed at safeguarding the economic vitality of the Hudson River from the imminent threat of radioactive wastewater discharge at Indian Point by Holtec International. Since the Assembly legislation did not come up for a vote, despite reaching the Assembly floor, the Assembly must return to Albany and prioritize the passage of this legislation. Riverkeeper thanks Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Dana Levenberg for their relentless efforts in championing this important legislation, S6893/A7208.
“The unanimous bipartisan support in the Senate sends a clear signal that New Yorkers of all stripes are opposed to Holtec’s plans. The Assembly must vote on this legislation during their special session so we can draw a firm line against the use of our river as a dumping ground for radioactive waste and pave the way for a prosperous future for the Hudson River and its surrounding communities,” said Tracy Brown, President of Riverkeeper, “We cannot underestimate the impact of the public perception of a severely polluted Hudson River. Together we have made great strides in cleaning up the Hudson, which has supported increased water-based recreation and tourism. We can not let outmoded “business-as-usual” polluting practices undercut that work and our goal of a clean and healthy Hudson for all.”
Instead of allowing Holtec to discharge the wastewater, Riverkeeper together with a coalition of partners are calling for the secure on-site storage of the contaminated water on the Indian Point site for at least a period of 12.5 years. This would allow for one half life to elapse and reduce the radioactivity of the spent fuel pool water and protect the economic interests of the state, while alternative disposal methods are thoroughly evaluated. Riverkeeper is a member of the Indian Point Decommissioning Oversight Board and provides expertise on issues related to water quality, public health, and impacts to wildlife.
The overwhelming opposition from the public against Holtec’s profit-driven discharges has resonated across the state, as concerned citizens and communities rally together to protect the Hudson River as the vital resource it is.
Riverkeeper stands firm in its commitment to defending the Hudson River and urges Speaker Heastie and the New York Assembly to ensure that this legislation receives a vote during its upcoming special session and is sent to Governor Hochul before Holtec proceeds with the release of radioactive wastewater.
Concerned citizens can take action by compelling speaker Heastie and the New York Assembly to vote on this legislation during their special session
CONTACT:
Leah Rae, [email protected]
Associate Director of Communications and Marketing
Riverkeeper
