Riverkeeper celebrates the Governor’s signature of crucial legislation aimed at safeguarding the economic vitality of the Hudson River from the imminent threat of radioactive wastewater discharge at Indian Point by Holtec International, the firm responsible for decommissioning the nuclear power plant. Following the bill’s unanimous bipartisan Senate passage, bipartisan passage in the Assembly, and a groundswell of public support, Governor Hochul’s signature shows that New York state is dedicated to preventing Holtec from releasing radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River.

“The community has spoken loud and clear that it is unacceptable to use the Hudson River as a dumping ground for radioactive waste. Riverkeeper thanks Governor Hochul for her leadership and for taking action on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers who called on her to sign bipartisan legislation stopping the radioactive wastewater discharges from Indian Point,” said Riverkeeper President Tracy Brown. “We also thank Assemblymember Dana Levenberg and Senate Environmental Conservation Chairman Pete Harckham for their tireless efforts to secure this legislative victory; our coalition partners who have been influential in the development and passage of the bill; and the concerned community members who made their voices heard by connecting with legislators, attending rallies, and engaging with Riverkeeper’s action alerts.”

We continue to call for the secure on-site storage of the contaminated water on the Indian Point site for at least a period of 12 years. This would allow for one half life to elapse and reduce the radioactivity of the spent fuel pool water, and protect the economic interests of the state while alternative disposal methods are thoroughly evaluated. Riverkeeper holds the “representative of the environmental community” seat on the Indian Point Decommissioning Oversight Board, and provides expertise on issues related to water quality as well as impacts to wildlife and surrounding ecosystems.

The overwhelming opposition from the public against Holtec's profit-driven discharges has resonated across New York as communities have rallied together to protect the Hudson River, recognizing it as a vital resource for the State.

Riverkeeper stands firm in our commitment to defend the Hudson River and applauds Governor Hochul for signing the legislation into law before Holtec could proceed with the planned releases of radioactive wastewater.