Tell Governor Hochul: Clean Water and Environmental Funding are Non-negotiable

Governor Hochul is set to release her Executive Budget on January 21, 2025. Last year, the governor’s proposed budget would have cut clean water funding by half, but advocates were able to defend clean water and environmental funding thanks to messages from supporters like you.

This year, we are urging the governor to demonstrate her support for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, Environmental Protection Fund, Hudson River Estuary Program, and the Mohawk River Basin Program by announcing funding increases for each program. Increased funding for these programs will allow the state to expand their work addressing “forever chemical” contamination, combined sewer overflows, harmful algal blooms, tree planting initiatives, fish habitat restoration, and climate adaptation programs.

Write Governor Hochul today and tell her that funding for clean water and the environment must be increased to defend our environment from challenges emerging from Washington, D.C.

Instructions:

• Read the sample letter (below) and edit it as you see fit. Include an opening statement about why this issue is important to you. Personalized letters have a greater impact!

We send your comments to your representatives by automatically filling out their online contact forms. Note that some representatives require more information like phone and full address.

• Complete the required fields and click “Send Message.”

Recipients

Your Governor

Contact

*Required fields

* Title:

* First Name:

* Last Name:

* Your Email:

* Address 1:

* City:

* State / Province:

* ZIP / Postal Code:

* Phone Number:

Yes, I would like to receive news updates from Riverkeeper. (If you're already on our email list, unchecking this box will unsubscribe you.)

Remember me. What's this?

Message

Clean Water and Environmental Funding are Non-negotiable

Dear [Decision Maker],

* Personalize your message

As the Executive Budget announcement approaches, I urge you to strengthen your commitment to protecting New York's clean water and environment. The state's clean water and environmental work desperately require a boost. Without adequate financial support, the state cannot meet its ambitious targets to conserve New York's lands and waters, nor fulfill its commitment to increasing public access to swimming beaches through the NY SWIMS program. Meanwhile, New Yorkers continue to bear the consequences of aging water infrastructure, lead-contaminated pipes, road salt seeping into drinking water supplies, "forever chemicals" pollution, and combined sewer overflows.

I urge you to include the following items in the 2025-26 Executive Budget:
 - $600 million Clean Water Infrastructure Act ($100 million increase)
 - $500 million for Environmental Protection Fund ($100 million increase)
 - $9.5 million for the Hudson River Estuary Program and Mohawk River Basin Program under the EPF ($1.5 million increase for Hudson, $500,000 increase for Mohawk)

Water unites us -- sustaining our health, well-being, and bringing joy to our communities. The history of the Hudson River reminds us that when clean water is at risk, people rise to defend it. For New Yorkers, clean water and environmental protections are non-negotiable.

By prioritizing these investments, New York can continue to lead the nation in demonstrating an unwavering commitment to protecting what matters most.

Thank you for your leadership on clean water and environmental funding.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State ZIP]
[Your Email]