Schumer To Feds: Ancient Hudson River Charts Leave Ship Captains Rudderless

Statement

Standing at Unico Park in Newburgh, NY, U.S. Senator Charles E. Schumer today urged the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to immediately update the current nautical charts of the Hudson River. Schumer said the current charts used by oil tankers and oil ship captains navigating the waters of the Hudson were created using outdated technology, more than 115 years ago, and no longer accurately represent the channels up and down the Hudson River. Schumer said these charts are dangerously outdated and could result in a devastating oil spill in the Hudson River, particularly with over 25 million gallons of crude oil per week being shipped down and gasoline being shipped up the river.

"The ancient and dangerous maps and charts used by oil ship captains to navigate the Hudson River are long overdue for an update. These outdated maps deny ship captains the best tools to avoid a catastrophic accident with rocks and other objects, which could trigger a catastrophic oil spill in the Hudson River," said Senator Schumer. "That is why I am calling on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to update their Hudson River charts using 21st century sounding technology. The ‎Hudson River oil and cargo ships should be guided by the most accurate navigation tools, rather than setting sail blind to the dangers that could await."

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