The Environmental Protection Agency Friday will honor a grassroots group that combatted a controversial proposed desalination plant in Rockland County.
The Rockland Water Coalition will receive the EPA’s Environmental Champion Award, the highest recognition presented to the public by the agency. Environmental groups Riverkeeper and Scenic Hudson nominated the group for the award. In November, the New York State Public Service Commission told United Water to halt its pursuit of a desalination plant along the Hudson River in Rockland County, saying there was no longer an immediate need for a new water supply source. In a letter notifying the coalition of its award, EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck congratulated the coalition for demonstrating outstanding commitment to protecting and enhancing environmental quality and public health.
