Westchester County commends the U.S. Coast Guard's recent decision to withdraw the proposed rule allowing barges to anchor on the Hudson River north of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. For years now, Westchester County strongly opposed this proposal due to its potential impact on the Hudson River's natural beauty, the potential impact on our scenic River Towns lining the Hudson’s banks and the fear of environmental degradation after years of dedicated efforts to clean up the river. Our community values the Hudson River as a cherished resource, and this decision is a testament to the power of collective advocacy. We extend our appreciation to Congressman Pat Ryan, who led the charge against this iteration of the proposed rule, and the U.S. Coast Guard for listening to the concerns of Westchester County residents, environmental groups and the wider public - reinforcing the importance of preserving our natural treasures for future generations. As we continue our commitment to environmental stewardship, we look forward to collaborative efforts to safeguard the Hudson River and its surroundings.