WASHINGTON, DC - March 26 - For forty-plus years, Riverkeeper has been the Hudson Valley’s chief law enforcer when it comes to safeguarding our water resources. Riverkeeper established a Policy Department in 2007 in recognition of the important role public policy must play in its efforts to bring about the permanent protection of the Hudson River and the New York City drinking water supply. Working closely with Riverkeeper’s Hudson River and Watershed staff, the Policy Department has identified legislative initiatives that will support Riverkeeper’s legal work and advance its mission.

“Clean water is a basic human right,” states Lisa Rainwater, policy director. “Our communities want and deserve clean water for drinking, fishing, and swimming; clean air to breathe; and natural areas for recreation and aesthetic purposes. The Hudson River and the watershed that provides New York City its drinking water remain under intense pressure from increased development, stormwater runoff, and point source pollution – threatening the ecological integrity of the Hudson River, diminishing the public’s ability to swim, fish, and recreate safely, and degrading the drinking water supply for nearly 9 million people. In addition to ongoing development pressures, our water is threatened by an ever-increasing reduction in federal funding needed to maintain our aging clean water infrastructure. In the coming months, Riverkeeper will engage our members to ensure that clean water is a top priority at the local, state, and federal levels of government.”

In Riverkeeper’s Clean Water & Healthy Communities – Legislative and Policy Agenda for 2008, the group presents its long-term policy initiatives, priorities for federal action and state action, and its continuing coalition work with New York partners.

Clean Water Legislation Riverkeeper Supports
• The Water Quality Investment Act of 2007 (H.R.569/S.836)
• The Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right to Know Act (H.R.2452/S.2080)
• Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007 (H.R.2421/S.1870)
• Water Quality Financing Act of 2007 (H.R.720)
• Clean Water Protection and Flood Protection Act (A.7133/S.3835)
• Environmental Access to Justice Act (A.1435/S.5182)
• Increased Penalties for Violations of Watershed Rules and Regulations (A.8131)

Safe, Clean Energy Legislation Riverkeeper Supports
• Independent Safety Assessment at Indian Point (H.R.994/S.649)
• The Nuclear Power Licensing Reform Act of 2007 (H.R.2162)
• An Article X bill that streamlines clean energy projects, requires closed-cycle cooling for all energy generating plants, and protects communities already overburdened with power plants and other polluting facilities.
• An expansion of the current Net Metering laws in New York State
• Smart Metering (A.08739)
• Costs for increased security at New York nuclear plants covered by owners/operators - not the public.

In addition, Riverkeeper stands united with its sister environmental organizations in New York State in support of protected, permanent, and increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fund, an expansion of the current bottle deposit law to include non-carbonated beverages, a state-wide bill to preserve community character, and legislation to finance sustainable stormwater management practices.

Clean Water & Healthy Communities can be downloaded at: http://riverkeeper.org/campaign.php/policy_agenda



ABOUT RIVERKEEPER: Riverkeeper is an independent member-supported environmental organization that has led the campaign to retire the Indian Point nuclear power plant. Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect the Hudson River, the New York City drinking water supply, and the public’s right to clean water and healthy communities. For more information, please visit www.riverkeeper.org.

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