Environment
‘Worse Than Irene’: The Toxic Aftermath of a Storm in Rensselaer County
Historic flooding created a potential hazard from a nearby Superfund site. It could be a sign of things to come.
7 Locals Tackling New York’s Toughest Climate Problems
From carbon sequestration and solar siting to sail freight and managed retreat, the hard work of climate solutions is well underway in the Hudson Valley and Catskills.
How an Ad Hoc Climate Coalition Is Working to Thwart a Power Plant in Newburgh
Danskammer Energy wants to replace its “peaker” gas-fired power plant with a new facility that will run 24/7. With a decision coming, environmentalists are reminding New York of its green commitments.
What Cuomo’s Removal Could Mean for Climate Action in New York
With the governor out of the picture, advocates see a chance to make better state climate policy—if state leaders decide to take it.
New York Officials Are Souring on Gas Power
Grassroots opposition to new fossil fuel projects is turning up the heat on the state’s most powerful politicians.
Keeping New York Honest on Climate Progress
The state has adopted ambitious climate goals. But so far, there’s no real way to measure its progress.
Kingston Hamlet Offers Test Case for Conservation Amid Gentrification
Preservation of the Wilbur uplands, recently acquired by the Kingston Land Trust, illuminates the tensions between development and land conservation in the Hudson Valley.
A Guide to the New York State Climate Policy Landscape
New York has committed to reducing emissions and fighting climate change. But meeting those lofty goals will take more investment and more legislation.
Changes on High: What to Know about New York’s Recreational Marijuana Law
The effort ties licenses and revenue to social equity—but it’s good for small farmers, too.
Ashokan Power Project Faces Uphill Battle
A surprise proposal from a California energy company to build a pumped storage hydroelectric plant on the Ashokan Reservoir has managed to anger just about everybody.
Mud in the Water: The Fight Over Turbidity in Esopus Creek
NYC regularly discharges turbid water from the Ashokan Reservoir into the Esopus before it reaches faucets in the city. Some environmentalists say the practice has negative effects.
SUNY Faculty Urge Pension to Divest from Fossil Fuels
The TIAA Divest campaign builds momentum for pulling funding from polluters and reinvesting in renewable energy companies.
Food Justice in the Hudson Valley: A Recent History
Food industry workers are among the most highly exploited laborers in the US. But a growing movement is bringing justice into the system.
Christmas Miracle: How the Schoharie Valley Avoided Its Worst Flooding Since Irene
The heavy rains came on December 25, threatening disaster for residents along Schoharie Creek. But lessons learned by elected officials and emergency personnel—plus a little luck—helped prevent the worst-case scenario.
How Hudson Valley Farmers Are Experiencing Climate Change
The local effects of the climate crisis are easy to list. But how does it feel, and what challenges is it already presenting?
Amtrak’s Secret Plan to Fence Off Parts of the Hudson River
A confidential document obtained by The River details the railroad company’s strategy for further limiting access to the river’s east bank.
Future Forward: Clean Energy
Environmental leaders and activists tell us what they envision in their areas of expertise for the next decade—and how we get there.
Future Forward: Land & Water
Environmental leaders and activists tell us what they envision in their areas of expertise for the next decade—and how we get there.
Future Forward: Sustainable Agriculture
Environmental leaders and activists tell us what they envision in their areas of expertise for the next decade—and how we get there.
