In a recent government meeting, a representative highlighted the long-standing environmental challenges faced by the Hudson River, particularly concerning pollution from the Penn Central Railroad. The speaker, who has spent four decades advocating for both commercial and recreational fishermen, emphasized the historical significance of the Hudson's fishery, which has been operational for 350 years and is the oldest of its kind in North America.

The representative recounted the detrimental effects of pollution on local fishing communities, detailing how the introduction of oil into the river in 1966 severely impacted the ecosystem and the livelihoods of those who depend on it. Fishermen from Crotonville, a key area for commercial fishing, have repeatedly reached out to state agencies, including the Department of Conservation and the Coast Guard, urging them to take action against the ongoing pollution from the railroad.

This discussion underscores the urgent need for regulatory enforcement to protect the Hudson River's natural resources and the communities that have historically relied on them. The call for accountability from state agencies reflects a broader concern about environmental stewardship and the preservation of cultural heritage tied to the river's fishing traditions.