Congressman Mike Lawler Secures Key Environmental Win for Hudson River in Coast Guard Bill

The Hudson Valley scored a significant environmental win this week with the House passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act, which includes major provisions from the Hudson River Protection Act originally introduced by Congressman Mike Lawler.

Among the most impactful measures included is the suspension of new anchorage sites along the Hudson River, a move long advocated for by local leaders and environmental groups concerned about the risks posed by expanded barge activity in the region.

Lawler praised the development as an important step forward for the Hudson Valley, noting that while the bill doesn't yet include the full scope of his proposed legislation, the inclusion of these core provisions marks meaningful progress. He pledged to continue pushing for the full Hudson River Protection Act to be included in the final version of the legislation.

“Big win for the Hudson Valley,” Lawler wrote in a statement, “the Coast Guard Authorization Act passed the House and includes parts of my Hudson River Protection Act, suspending new anchorages on the Hudson. Good progress has been made, but the fight isn't over. I'll continue to push for the full Hudson River Protection Act to be included in the final bill.”