Bill Signed to Protect the Hudson River From Indian Point Decommissioning Wastewater

Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation this week which is intended to protect the economic vitality of the Hudson River Region by restricting discharges of any radiological substance into the Hudson River in connection with the decommissioning of a nuclear power plant.

“The Hudson River is one of New York’s landmark natural treasures, and it’s critical we stand together to protect it for generations to come,” Governor Hochul said. “My administration remains committed to protecting the economic vitality of the region and working closely with local communities who have advocated so passionately for this cause.”

The law aims to safeguard communities in New York’s Hudson Valley region. The Administration will continue to work closely with federal regulators, Holtec, local officials and the State’s Decommissioning Oversight Board to identify feasible and acceptable alternatives of wastewater disposal so that decommissioning Indian Point can continue, jobs can be preserved, and the site can be cleaned up in a safe, thorough, and prompt manner.

“Over the past eight months, I have heard from numerous constituents, environmental organizations, and local officials concerned about the plan to discharge radioactive wastewater into the Hudson River as part of the Indian Point decommissioning,” Representative Mike Lawler said. “We have worked closely with them to raise awareness and seek alternative solutions. As such, I am glad to hear that Governor Hochul is signing legislation into law that will prevent the discharge of radioactive wastewater from Indian Point into the Hudson River. I look forward to the Governor working with federal, state, and local officials, as well as organized labor, local environmental activists, and Holtec, to determine an environmentally safe and fiscally sound solution to eliminating the wastewater on-site. Protecting the Hudson River and our communities that utilize it is of paramount importance — we must work together to find a workable solution for all involved.”