Federal Watershed Protection Legislation

A watershed moment for 15 million people — and all Americans

What's the Plan?

The New York-New Jersey Watershed Protection Act (H.R. 4677), a bill currently before Congress, would make the federal government a stronger partner in protecting and restoring the watersheds that flow into New York-New Jersey Harbor — including those of the Hudson, Mohawk, Raritan, Passaic, Hackensack, and Bronx rivers. It would invest in on-the-ground projects that will improve accessibility, habitat, climate resiliency, and economic opportunity for the 15 million Americans living near them — and for all Americans.

For over a decade, Scenic Hudson has been leading efforts, alongside key partners, to rebuild this valuable and ecologically vital system of watersheds, ensuring it can serve as a resource to local communities — and the entire nation — for many years to come.

What's at Stake?

The NY-NJ Harbor and the watersheds of New York and New Jersey that flow into this national resource provide enormous economic and environmental benefits not just to the region but the entire nation.

Along with supplying the country’s most densely populated region with clean water, they host some of the busiest U.S. ports and provide opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation that attract people from around the world. They also improve public health, sustain significant fisheries and critical wildlife habitat, and protect businesses and vital infrastructure from flooding and rising sea levels.

These waterways play a critical role in enhancing Americans’ quality of life, health, and prosperity, restoring communities disproportionately impacted by climate change, and helping those confronting environmental injustice. Local partnerships are strong and regional priorities have been established through several science-based and consensus-driven plans to manage these natural assets. Federal leadership and resources will strengthen these partnerships and deliver on-the-ground public benefits across local jurisdictions.

Because of this region’s long history, it has suffered many environmental impacts — including channelizing the Hudson River and hardening its shorelines, which have damaged habitat and diminished the ability of people to access and enjoy it.

If enacted, the Watershed Protection Act would:

Direct the Secretary of the Interior to enhance collaboration and coordinate restoration activities at all levels of government.
Establish a program to coordinate restoration and award grants to help fund approved plans and restoration projects in local communities.
Provide federal matching dollars for state environmental funding like the Environmental Protection fund and Bond Act.
Ensure that restoration efforts utilize science-based principles to protect fish and wildlife habitats, improve water quality, increase public access to the estuary, mitigate flood risks, and develop public outreach and educational activities.
Authorize $50 million annually through fiscal year 2026 to accomplish these goals.

Representative Paul Tonko (D-NY) introduced the NY-NJ Watershed Protection Act in the House in September 2021, and Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), along with Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) and Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY), introduced a companion bill in the Senate in January 2022. The bill was passed in the House in July 2022, but has yet to be considered in the Senate.