Leading grassroots and legislative campaigns to safeguard the valley’s air, water, land and other irreplaceable natural resources.
The Hudson River and its waterfronts play a major role in sustaining the health and well-being of valley residents. They also drive the region’s robust tourism economy.
We educate, engage and mobilize people, communities, leaders and elected officials (from small towns to Albany and Washington, DC) to:
- Halt threats and increase public access to the river
- Block irresponsible industrial or residential development
- Support “win-win” projects that deliver economic gains and protect the environment
- Push for environmental funding and legislation that benefit valley communities
Since 1963, we’ve spearheaded dozens of campaigns to stop projects that would have destroyed iconic views and polluted our air and water.
We’ve also played key roles in major environmental initiatives, including: advocating for state and federal legislation to stop development of harmful barge anchorages in the Hudson River; local ballot initiatives that created Community Preservation Funds in New Paltz, Warwick and Red Hook; and establishment of the Hudson River Estuary Program, the Coastal Management Program, the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
On December 10, 2020, Scenic Hudson helped found and launch New Yorkers for Clean Water and Jobs, joining more than 175 organizations in a new coalition to protect funding for critical environmental programs that support hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, fortify local New York economies, protect clean drinking water, create new parks, advance environmental justice, and mitigate the intensifying climate crisis. In November 2022, the coalition was successful in its efforts to secure the passage of the $4.2 Billion Clean Water, Clean Air, and Green Jobs Bond Act.
Danskammer Power Plant
If built, this fossil-fuel plant would contribute to climate change, set back NY’s clean energy goals, and pollute our air and water.
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Ground Control: Soil Health and Climate Resiliency
Improving soil health in the Hudson Valley is a powerful climate solution that can enhance economic opportunity for farmers.
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Hudson River Toxic PCB Cleanup
These cancer-causing toxins contaminate 200 miles of the river, imperiling humans and wildlife and delaying economic opportunity.
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Hudson River Access
This proposal would create barriers at popular destinations for fishing, launching boats and enjoying river views.
Learn MoreOur Advocacy Legacy
Bear Mountain Bridge
To safeguard the Hudson Highlands’ beauty, we partnered in a successful lawsuit to stop construction of a 14-story condominium just north of the Bear Mountain Bridge.
1975
Sloop Hill (New Windsor)
Preserving a prominently visible river promontory and prime bald eagle habitat, NYS acquired 100 acres slated for a 530-unit condominium. Scenic Hudson played a lead role in securing the land’s protection.
1988
Expanded Crude Oil Operations (Albany)
Decreasing the likelihood of hazardous spills and health threats in local neighborhoods, Global Partners decided not to build new crude oil facilities. We partnered in opposing the expanded operations.
2018
Proposed Hudson River Anchorages
Preserving water quality and habitats, the U.S. Coast Guard abandoned plans for 10 new “parking lots” for 43 vessels carrying hazardous substances. We mobilized thousands of citizens to fight the proposal.