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From an environmental perspective, this legislative session was remarkable not only for the bills that passed, but also for the missed opportunities.
Once upon a time, the New York State Assembly was seen as a beacon of environmental and climate hope. Though there are still environmental stalwarts in the Assembly, now it is the State Senate that shines brightly on a range of environmental and climate issues. The Senate Majority Leader, Andrea Stewart-Cousins, has clearly prioritized environment and climate issues in her chamber. And with environmental champion (and Riverkeeper Big Fish recipient) Senator Pete Harckham at the helm of the Senate Environmental Conservation Committee, significant legislation moved forward. That support in leadership can make all the difference!
While many assemblymembers such as Deborah Glick, Pat Fahy, Dana Levenberg, Emily Gallagher, Anna Kelles, Michaelle Solages and others work to move heaven and earth to push legislation over the finish line, the bureaucracy within the Assembly creates the conditions for inaction and allows the opposition to pro-environment legislation to create just enough doubt to grind the gears of the legislative body to an unfortunate halt on the big issues of the day.
Governor Hochul’s reversal on congestion pricing during the final days of session, without an alternative MTA funding plan in place, provided a convenient excuse for the Assembly to abandon negotiations on key climate and plastic reduction legislation.
Despite these conditions, we did see progress on a few issues during the legislative session, with two key bills heading to the Governor’s desk and several that made it through the State Senate but hit a wall in the Assembly.
In the end, the 2025 state budget demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental causes, including significant wins for New York, the Hudson River, and our clean water priorities.
Legislative Roundup 2024 Session
Passed Both Houses:
Passed One House:
Did Not Advance:
Riverkeeper will continue to push for meaningful action on environmental and climate issues that impact the Hudson and its communities.
Riverkeeper protects and restores the Hudson River, and safeguards drinking water supplies through community partnerships, science, and law. Our core programs improve water quality, restore habitat for an abundance of life, and address the impact of climate change on our waterways. Founded in 1966 as the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association, Riverkeeper became the model for more than 320 Waterkeeper organizations around the world and helped establish globally-recognized standards for waterway and watershed protection. We continue to work toward the goal of a swimmable, fishable, and drinkable Hudson River for all. Learn more, get updates, and support our work by visiting https://www.riverkeeper.org.