Environmental advocacy group Riverkeeper says Kathy Hochul’s proposed 2026 environmental agenda contains important investments in clean water and environmental protection, while also raising concerns about maintaining strong environmental review standards as the state budget moves forward.
In its analysis of the governor’s proposal, the organization praised several funding commitments aimed at strengthening public health, water quality, and climate resilience across New York. At the same time, Riverkeeper urged lawmakers to ensure that infrastructure funding is distributed fairly and that environmental oversight laws remain intact.
Jeremy Cherson, Riverkeeper’s associate director of government affairs, said the proposed budget reflects the growing recognition that clean water plays a vital role in protecting communities and supporting economic stability. However, he emphasized that careful implementation and oversight will be essential as the budget advances through the legislative process.
Among the most significant proposals is an additional $500 million investment in programs tied to the state’s Clean Water Infrastructure Act. Riverkeeper said the funding represents a major step toward addressing aging water systems and ensuring safe drinking water for residents across New York.
The governor’s plan also includes $200 million in new funding tied to housing and water infrastructure, along with an additional $50 million dedicated to rural housing and water needs. While Riverkeeper welcomed the effort to link housing growth with infrastructure investments, the organization said it wants more details about how those funds will be distributed to ensure equitable access for communities across the state.
The proposed budget also maintains funding for New York’s Environmental Protection Fund at $425 million. Riverkeeper highlighted several programs within that fund that support the protection and restoration of major waterways, including the Hudson River Estuary Program and the Mohawk River Basin Program.
Under the proposal, the Hudson River Estuary Program would receive $6.5 million and the Mohawk River Basin Program would receive $1 million. Riverkeeper supports those allocations but is urging lawmakers to maintain last year’s $1.5 million funding level for the Mohawk River initiative and increase the Hudson River program to $7 million to further strengthen conservation and climate resilience efforts.
Another key focus of the budget is protecting drinking water at its source. Riverkeeper said programs aimed at proactive water planning and watershed protection are among the most effective ways to prevent contamination and reduce long-term costs for communities.
Still, the organization expressed caution about proposed changes to the state’s environmental review law, the State Environmental Quality Review Act. While streamlining development reviews may help accelerate certain projects, Riverkeeper warned that weakening environmental oversight could undermine decades of progress in protecting New York’s natural resources.
Founded in 1966, Riverkeeper works to protect and restore the Hudson River while safeguarding regional drinking water supplies. As the state’s budget negotiations continue, the group says maintaining strong environmental safeguards will be essential to ensuring New York’s waterways remain safe, resilient, and accessible for future generations.