Public Policy Goals

  • Legislative Maps

  • Each year, Scenic Hudson pursues a clearly defined set of legislative goals.

    Here's what our public policy team is currently working on:

    • STATE
      • Ensuring that the state's Environmental Protection Fund, particularly
        Farmland Preservation, the Hudson River Estuary Program and Open Space
        protection programs, and state agencies are not cut disproportionately in
        the state's budget. (UPDATE: Governor Cuomo and both houses of the legislature have
        proposed stable funding for the EFP for fiscal year 2012. Thank you!)
      • Promoting the Hudson Valley and New York City's "Foodshed" and ensuring that
        limited public resources that preserve and support our local farms create
        maximum public benefits.

      • Promoting legislation encouraging smart growth — increasing incentives for
        revitalizing downtowns, not building new suburbs.

      • Strengthening the NY Department of State's Coastal Management policies and
        other regulations that help communities connect residents to their river.
    • FEDERAL:
      • Promoting the West Point Foundry Preserve for National Historic Landmark
        status, and completing funding to transform the site in to a world-class
        industrial heritage park and tourism destination.
      • Delivering on the promise of President Obama's America's Great Oudoors
        initiative, including programs that safeguard water quality and secure a
        safe, local food supply.
      • Keeping the Environmental Protection Agency and General Electric accountable
        for a safe and on-time cleanup of Hudson River PCBs.

      Tivoli Bay Boat LaunchOur work with the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program helps to create public boat launches that allow people to get out on the river.Photo © Walter Earl