Urge Congress: Protect NOAA Funding for the Hudson River

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has invested in the Hudson River Estuary for over four decades, providing approximately $800,000 annually to support scientific research, conservation efforts, navigational safety, and public education. This funding enables real-time water quality and condition monitoring, supports fisheries research like the Hudson River Eel Monitoring Program, and helps restore vital habitats under threat from a rising river such as Piermont Marsh. Not to mention, NOAA’s National Weather Service has regional offices in Albany and NYC, providing a range of services that help keep New Yorkers safe.

However, the White House and Elon Musk’s DOGE have their sights set on slashing NOAA’s federal funding to New York. Reckless staff cuts threaten NOAA a critical leader in climate science and preparing our nation and state for the impacts already causing more intense storms, sea level rise, and warmer water in the Hudson.

Losing NOAA support would weaken pollution tracking, halt wetland restoration, and jeopardize fisheries conservation — undermining climate resilience efforts and putting public health and local economies at risk. Without this funding, municipalities would also struggle to secure grants for climate adaptation and water infrastructure improvements.

We must urge Congress to maintain and expand NOAA funding for HREP to ensure the Hudson River remains a thriving ecosystem and vital resource for future generations. Take action today by contacting your representatives and urging them to support this crucial investment.

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Protect NOAA Funding for the Hudson River

Dear [Decision Maker],

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I urge you to protect and expand NOAA funding for the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve (HRNERR), which has provided essential support for water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and fisheries conservation for over 40 years. NOAA's investment -- approximately $800,000 annually -- enables critical programs such as real-time water quality and condition monitoring, the Hudson River Eel Monitoring Program, and wetland restoration at Piermont Marsh. NOAA's National Weather Service has regional offices in Albany and NYC, providing a range of services that help keep New Yorkers safe.

Potential funding cuts and layoffs of non-partisan public servants threaten to weaken pollution tracking, halt wetland restoration, jeopardize fish population monitoring, and threaten vessel safety. Without this support, local governments will struggle to secure grants for climate resilience projects, and essential research needed to protect public health and the river's ecosystems could be lost.

Please ensure NOAA's continued investment in the Hudson River by supporting at least $800,000 in annual funding for HRNERR, with a long-term goal of reaching $1 million. Protecting this funding is crucial for the health of the Hudson River, the communities that depend on it, and our collective fight against climate change.

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