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Legal cases

Riverkeeper has successfully challenged the unlawful activities of some of the largest and most notorious polluters. Stay informed on our current cases.

Hudson River’s defender

Polluters rely on two things: first, that they won’t get caught; and second, that mounting a legal challenge to their activities will cost far more and take longer than most individuals have the resources for. From investigation to court arguments, Riverkeeper has shown our ability to overcome these obstacles. In addition to our in-house bench of expert attorneys, we have strong alliances with key partners and broad-based coalitions that greatly increase David’s strength against Goliath.

5

legal cases in progress

$185M

from legal campaigns “paid forward” to other organizations addressing pressing environmental concerns

Our legal campaigns help ensure enforcement of environmental regulations and laws like the Clean Water Act. These efforts both support and draw strength from our science and advocacy work in the field and with communities.
In addition to stopping polluters, our litigation fuels restoration. We use the funds we secure through victories in the courtroom to support projects led by other organizations that address water quality and pressing environmental issues.

Our Legal team

Mike Dulong

Legal Program Director

Drew Gamils

Senior Attorney

Victoria Leung

Staff Attorney

Be a watchdog

Watchdog reports from community members are an integral part of our enforcement efforts. All reports are confidential.

Report a polluter

Featured current cases

Though much of our current casework must remain confidential, here are a few highlights from our docket.

Major wins

Our victories have helped heal the Hudson, securing a safer future for all the life it supports, and protecting the drinking water sources of the Hudson Valley and New York City.

Join the fight for clean water

Riverkeeper’s work is only possible because of support from people like you who care about the Hudson and the communities that rely on it.

Become a riverkeeper

300+

miles of river patrolled annually, from the Upper Hudson and Mohawk River all the way to New York Harbor

380

tons of debris removed from the river by thousands of Riverkeeper volunteers since 2012

$5.5B

$5.5 billion for clean water allocated since 2017 from New York State thanks to our advocacy work

28,148

letters to lawmakers and decision makers in one year