American Rivers praises Obama Administration for flood protection action

January 30, 2015

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(Washington, DC) – American Rivers today applauded the Obama Administration for taking action to protect communities from flooding. The action acknowledges the importance of building community resilience to floods and using proven, natural approaches such as the protection and restoration of floodplains and wetlands.

Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers, issued the following statement:

“Climate change is forcing communities across the country to deal with more frequent and intense floods. We applaud the Obama Administration for acting today to help communities prepare for the future and improve public safety, while safeguarding river health.

“A healthy river is a community’s first line of defense against flooding. Wetlands and floodplains act as sponges, absorbing and storing floodwaters. Healthy rivers are also essential to the health and livelihood of every American, providing clean drinking water and a host of other benefits. If we want safe, healthy communities, we need healthy rivers.

“We look forward to working with the Administration to ensure the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard Guidelines will help protect communities and rivers.”

About American Rivers

American Rivers protects wild rivers, restores damaged rivers, and conserves clean water for people and nature. Since 1973, American Rivers has protected and restored more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and an annual America’s Most Endangered Rivers® campaign. Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 250,000 members, supporters, and volunteers.

Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at AmericanRivers.org, Facebook.com/AmericanRivers, and Twitter.com/AmericanRivers.