Is that why Scenic Hudson is credited with launching the modern environmental movement?
NS: Yes. The Scenic Hudson decision is the cornerstone of the National Environmental Policy Act — this country’s seminal environmental statute. It requires environmental impact statements for projects that are federally sponsored or have federal permits. Dozens of states have passed environmental quality review acts, which require environmental impact statements and the government to ask the public what it thinks. We’ve gone beyond that battle, and created 40 public parks and preserves. We’ve protected about 27,000 acres along the river. We’ve worked to clean up the river, whether it’s getting rid of PCBs or stopping the discharge of pollutants. We’ve participated in the campaigns to get the river designated as an American Heritage River by the president and for Congress to designate the entire Valley a National Heritage Area. We’re also a force in Albany, working to ensure our reps are looking out for the environment despite the difficult fiscal climate. Finally, we’re a major force i
