Past Environmental Advocacy Work
As one of the pre-eminent environmental organizations in the region on the forefront of preservation and restoration work, Clearwater has been involved in many issues, ranging from short-term engagements to decades-long battles in the fight for a fully restored Hudson River. Get acquainted with our previous work below, including major victories as well as issues we were no longer able to continue working on due to capacity limitations. For more information about Clearwater’s past work, e-mail Jen Benson at jen@clearwater.org.
Major Victories:
Hydrofracking in New York State (BANNED!)
Hydrofracking, or fracking as it’s commonly known, is a method of natural gas extraction that consists of pumping toxic chemicals, sand, and millions of gallons of water into shale formations to break up the shale, freeing the natural gas. A highly industrial process, hydrofracking posed significant risks to the health of nearby communities and local ecosystems. Fracking was proposed in New York State in 2009, kicking off a state-wide grassroots effort to ban fracking in the state. After 5 years of relentless organizing and political pressure, Governor Cuomo announced a statewide ban on hydrofracking in December 2014. Clearwater fought to prevent fracking in New York State, organizing protests, submitting public comments, and educating the public about its risks.
Haverstraw Desalination Plant (DEFEATED)
In 2005, the New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) issued a finding that a desalination plant on Haverstraw Bay was needed to increase Rockland County’s water supply. After significant organizing efforts in opposition to a proposal from a private multinational company that privatizes water for profit, the PSC reversed its finding and directed Suez not to pursue construction. Learn more from the Rockland Water Coalition.