Hudson 7 Calls for State Action on Plastic Packaging Waste to Keep Microplastics and Toxic Chemicals out of Drinking Water

​On June 11, the Hudson 7 unanimously passed a resolution calling on the New York State Legislature to pass the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act (Senate Bill 1464 / Assembly Bill 1749).

This important legislation would require packaging producers, not taxpayers, to cover the costs of managing plastic packaging waste. It is a critical step toward reducing plastic pollution, increasing recycling rates, reducing toxic materials in packaging, protecting public health and drinking water, and saving local governments and taxpayers millions of dollars.

Packaging accounts for approximately 40% of New York’s waste stream, much of which is made up of non-recyclable plastics containing harmful chemicals such as PFAS and phthalates. Microplastics and these associated chemicals have been detected in drinking water sources across the state, raising serious health concerns. The Hudson River, a vital drinking water source for over 100,000 people, has also been found to contain these pollutants.

Hudson 7 is a coalition of five public water systems representing seven municipalities and two counties, all of which depend on the Hudson River as their primary drinking water source. Our mission is to work collaboratively to protect this critical resource for the communities we serve.

We support the passage of the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act and urge legislative leaders to prioritize and advance this critical legislation.