NOAA shares concerns on anchorage grounds

In response to a plea from Rep. Eliot Engel and two other members of Congress, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration weighed in on the U.S. Coast Guard’s plan to build 10 new anchorage sites along the Hudson River.

In its statement, NOAA expressed concerns over the environmental effects of the proposed anchorage sites on endangered species, such as the Atlantic sturgeon. 

“The proposed critical habitat . . . includes all of the potential anchorage areas,” NOAA said in its response to the Coast Guard read. “Vessel strikes are known to injure and kill sturgeon.  However, there is a paucity of information for other affects to sturgeon from vessel activities including anchoring.”

Mr. Engel has fought the anchorage sites, which would occupy 70 miles along the Hudson River, since they were first proposed. He released a joint statement with representatives Carolyn Maloney and Nita Lowey last week, thanking NOAA for their comments.

“We are pleased that NOAA heeded our call to share their expertise on endangered species and their critical habitat in the Hudson River,” the statement said.  “We believe it is vital for the Coast Guard to understand all potential economic, security, and environmental impacts of their controversial proposal – including impacts on the fragile health of our precious river and the unique life that it supports.”

Gillibrand seeks to clear records of sex-trafficking victims 

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand plans to introduce legislation to clear the criminal record of people victimized by human trafficking, she told news conference Sunday. 

The bill would provide post-conviction relief for victims of human trafficking.  In a statement, Ms. Gillibrand said the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act would apply to non-violent offenses committed as result of being sexually trafficked. 

“As a result of being trafficked, victims are commonly charged with crimes such as conspiracy, money laundering, drug trafficking, and related offenses that then follow them throughout the duration of their lives,” according to the statement. “These charges make it difficult for human trafficking victims to find jobs and housing, leaving them vulnerable to being exploited and trafficked again.”