A Nice Idea

In class over the last few weeks, we've outlined a number of major problems associated with the vitality of the Hudson River. From PCB's to a variety of other pollutants, the Hudson has long been contaminated with waste from the factories and plants that once lined its banks. In recent years environmentalists have done their part to protect the Hudson, fighting to keep Con-Ed off Storm King Mountain and St. Lawrence cement from encroaching on the Hudson landscape. GE has even pledged millions of dollars to lead a dredging effort that will hopefully, one day, make a significant dent in PCB contamination that could potentially, restore the Hudson as a major fishery. The Hudson River Estuary Program in its Action Agenda outlines a long-term plan to "cleanse" the Hudson River and restore it, as much as possible, to its previous state. I couldn't help but feel invigorated by the proposal; the message of hope, so confidently expressed by the government and its partners, seems to be extremely viable.

I have mixed feelings about this proposal. I anticipate that there will be a sharp divide in the feelings of my classmates over whether or not the goals outlined in the plan are actually attainable or whether it's simply wishful thinking. I fall somewhere in between both camps. There are a number of goals that seem extremely attainable especially concerning the revitalization of fisheries that could potentially bring the commercial fishing industry back to the Hudson Valley. I would also strongly support the attempts of the program to protect existing wildlife. However, some of the goals seem a bit far-fetched such as increasing "water quality for swimming". I think the program could do everything in its power and most New Yorkers wouldn't feel entirely comfortable swimming in the Hudson. A number plans are loaded with meaningless government jargon such as training "3,000 decision makers on best management practices for invasive species control, etc". What is a decision maker anyway? Can I be a decision maker? I respect the message presented in this agenda, but think it's a bit convoluted. And after years of polluting and abuse, who wouldn't be skeptical when considering the possibility of restoring the Hudson to it's former self?