A passion for water quality, driven by experience
June 28, 2022
Johnathan Kolb
Born and raised in Newburgh, I am personally familiar with the range of pollution threats that plague the Hudson Valley. I am especially knowledgeable about perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a “forever chemical,” to which I was exposed while growing up drinking tainted water and now test positive for elevated blood levels.
This experience drives my passion and commitment to a career related to the protection of water quality. This summer, I am working with Riverkeeper as the new Government Affairs Fellow.
Currently, I am heading into my second year as a M.S. Environmental Science and Policy candidate at Pace University in Pleasantville. During my first year in the M.S. Environmental Science and Policy program, I was involved in two relevant projects. As a Graduate Assistant I worked with professors from the Environmental Studies and Science department conducting research on lake water quality in the Yorktown area. More specifically, I conducted water quality tests and researched other town lake management plans to identify best practices. As a policy intern for the Blue CoLab at Pace University under Director (and former Riverkeeper) John Cronin, I researched policy for state law reform to expand the consumer’s right to know the quality of their drinking water before drinking it. Through my work at the Blue CoLab, I prepared for and participated in a lobbying meeting with legislators on consumer right to know.
I graduated from the State University of New York at New Paltz in December 2020 where I majored in Political Science and minored in Environmental Studies. Since February 2021, I have served as a volunteer member on the Village of New Paltz Environmental Policy Board, which reviews and critically assesses local resolutions and state legislation. Through my work with the board, I have participated in monthly meetings with other board members and engaged with numerous stakeholders.
In my new role as Government Affairs Fellow, I am most excited to assist Riverkeeper with advocating for the NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act (H.R. 4677/S.3484), a bill which could provide up to $50 million in federal funding annually through 2026 for protection and restoration of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary. I am also looking forward to learning more in depth about the environmental issues that affect the Hudson Valley and how to become a more effective policy advocate for these issues.
After graduation from Pace University, I will search for a career in water policy and advocate for clean water, which has become my passion due to my personal experience with PFOS growing up in Newburgh.
Related campaigns
Emerging and unregulated contaminants
Toxic chemicals can harm the health of people, wildlife, aquatic ecosystems
Protecting Hudson River watershed drinking water at the source
Riverkeeper ensures that drinking water sources stay clean and safe through vigilant advocacy and conservation efforts