Big win for Hudson Valley views

The final days of the state legislative session produced good news for the Hudson River, with legislation passed in both houses to protect the Hudson River's environment and the wonderful views that we enjoy in riverside communities and Hudson Valley parks and protected lands.

This legislation, supported by PTNY, responds to a proposal from the U.S. Coast Guard for development of 10 new anchorages and 43 new berths for oil-carrying barges and tankers in the Hudson River.

A. 6825-A (Barrett) / S. 5197-B (Serino) strengthens the state’s ability to control movement of petroleum transport vessels on certain stretches of the river, including the creation of “tanker avoidance zones,” where these vessels would be prohibited from navigating or anchoring. If signed into law, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and other state and federal agencies may consider additional factors, including the existence of designated coastal fish and wildlife habitats, proximity to waterfront communities, disproportionate impact on communities, presence of identified environmental remediation sites, environmental justice impacts, as well as information contained in waterfront revitalization plans and/or comprehensive plans.

Current view from the Palisades, and simulation with additional oil barge anchorages. Courtesy of Scenic Hudson.

Strengthening the state’s ability to control shipping of oil on the Hudson River through tanker avoidance zones, and to influence federal rule-making on this issue, will allow decades of progress made in restoring the Hudson as a resource for wildlife, a venue for recreation, and a source of drinking water to continue. Without the legislation, federal rule-making may result in more anchorages, more oil tankers, increased potential for environmentally-damaging accidents, and little consideration for the opinion of waterfront communities.

For park and trail lovers, the Hudson River Valley is a critical area, as it supports an ever-increasing density of protected lands. Inventories of state and local parkland and historic sites put the number of potentially visually-affected properties at 164 state parks, public lands or historic sites, 130 municipal parks and protected lands, and 144 federally-protected historic sites. By keeping view sheds free of large commercial vessels and infrastructure, this legislation will help to maintain the visual character of the Hudson Valley, and promote continued use and enjoyment of these assets.

After passage of the state legislation, the U.S. Coast Guard announced that it would suspend the rule-making process, removing the threat of new anchorages and increased oil barge traffic. Despite this, supporters of the legislation including PTNY are urging the Governor to sign A6825-A/S5197-B in order to ensure that treasured Hudson River water and views are protected in the future.

Federal legislators, led by US Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-Cold Spring), responded to calls for protection of the Hudson River's views and water by passing the Anchorages Away Act. The bill passed the US House in July, but has not yet been taken up by the Senate.