Lawmakers and environmentalists say they are taking steps to stop the Coast Guard's plan to put more barges in the Hudson River.

State and local leaders held a news conference today revealing the steps they will take to stop the barges.

The U.S. Coast Guard's proposal centers on plans to create 10 new anchor barges and 43 additional anchorage berths on the Hudson River, from Yonkers to Kingston. The Coast Guard says it would allow increased movement in the transport of crude oil up and down the river.

Opponents say the anchorages threaten everything from the beauty of the river to its recreational uses, and there are environmental and public safety concerns as well. Lawmakers say they are backing new federal legislation, that if passed, would stop the plan. Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney says he's backing the Hudson River Protection Act to prevent an unfortunate history from repeating itself.

The lawmakers and environmentalists against the plan say it isn't about trashing the Coast Guard, but about protecting the environment and lessening the possibility of oil spills and other accidents on the river.