Leading grassroots and legislative campaigns to safeguard the valley’s air, water, land and other irreplaceable natural resources.
Preserved open space along the Binnen Kill (Photo: Robert Rodriguez, Jr.)
The Hudson River and its waterfronts play a major role in sustaining the health and well-being of valley residents. They also drive the region’s robust tourism economy.
We educate, engage and mobilize people, communities, leaders and elected officials (from small towns to Albany and Washington, DC) to:
- Halt threats and increase public access to the river
- Block irresponsible industrial or residential development
- Support “win-win” projects that deliver economic gains and protect the environment
- Push for environmental funding and legislation that benefit valley communities
Since 1963, we’ve spearheaded dozens of campaigns to stop projects that would have destroyed iconic views and polluted our air and water.
We’ve also played key roles in major environmental initiatives, including: advocating for state and federal legislation to stop development of harmful barge anchorages in the Hudson River; local ballot initiatives that created Community Preservation Funds in New Paltz, Warwick and Red Hook; and establishment of the Hudson River Estuary Program, the Coastal Management Program, the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area.
On December 10, 2020, Scenic Hudson helped found and launch New Yorkers for Clean Water and Jobs, joining more than 175 organizations in a new coalition to protect funding for critical environmental programs that support hundreds of thousands of good-paying jobs, fortify local New York economies, protect clean drinking water, create new parks, advance environmental justice, and mitigate the intensifying climate crisis. The coalition is also calling for the reinstallation of the Environmental Bond Act ballot measure.
Hudson River Toxic PCB Cleanup
These cancer-causing toxins contaminate 200 miles of the river, imperiling humans and wildlife and delaying economic opportunity.
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Danskammer Power Plant
If built, this fossil-fuel plant would contribute to climate change, set back NY’s clean energy goals, and pollute our air and water.
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Hudson River Storm Surge Barriers
Sea gates to halt flooding in NYC from events like Superstorm Sandy could damage 150 miles of irreplaceable aquatic habitat.
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Hudson River Amtrak Fences
This proposal would create barriers at popular destinations for fishing, launching boats and enjoying river views.
Learn MoreOur Advocacy Legacy
Rockland Desalination Plant (Haverstraw)
Our six-year campaign to halt construction of an environmentally harmful desalination plant on Haverstraw Bay — site of some of the river’s most important aquatic habitats — ended in victory when plans to build the facility…
2015
Storm King Mountain (Cornwall)
Conserving the iconic northern gateway to the Hudson Highlands, Con Edison agreed not to build a destructive hydroelectric plant. Scenic Hudson was established to protect the mountain and led the successful 17-year campaign.
1980
Pilgrim Pipelines (Hudson Valley)
We engaged citizens and communities to oppose this proposal to construct two crude oil pipelines through the valley. The outcry against the project led to its abandonment, halting potential environmental, public health and safety threats.
2017
LG Headquarters (Englewood, NJ)
In a “win-win” for the environment and the economy, LG Electronics reached an agreement with us and partners to reduce the height of its proposed corporate tower atop the Palisades, preserving magnificent views and keeping jobs…
2015