A federal judge ruled that approximately 45,000 gallons of radioactive water from a defunct nuclear plant in New York can be discharged into the Hudson River. U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas supported New Jersey-based Holtec International, which sued New York State last year. The company claimed only the federal government has authority to regulate the Indian Point plant’s nuclear waste. The decision overturns New York’s “Save The Hudson” law aimed at blocking the discharge. Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins stated the ruling allows Holtec to proceed with plans that could release radioactive wastewater into the river. Judge Karas noted the 2023 law “categorically precludes Holtec from utilizing a federally accepted method of disposal.” Holtec argued Indian Point had regularly discharged similar waste during its five-decade operation. The company asserted the dumping would follow federal regulations and emphasized environmental responsibility. Indian Point, located on the Hudson River about 35 miles north of Manhattan, shut down in 2021 amid community concerns. Despite Governor Kathy Hochul’s advocacy for the “Save The Hudson” law, she criticized the closure as short-sighted while planning a new nuclear facility. Jenkins criticized the ruling, stating it ignored New York’s intent to use decommissioning funds for safer disposal methods. Holtec acquired Indian Point in 2021 for immediate decommissioning, requiring a Post-Shutdown Decommissioning Activities Report to the NRC. Attorneys claimed radiation exposure from the discharge would remain within safety limits, noting millions of gallons of tritium-laden water were previously released into the river.
