February 6, 2019

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

David Moryc, 503-307-1137

(Washington) — American Rivers today applauded the passage of a landmark bill protecting Wild and Scenic Rivers and other public lands and waters nationwide. S.47 is the largest package of Wild and Scenic River designations in nearly a decade.

“This is a major step forward for rivers and public lands. These pristine waters and special places deserve the highest level of protection the nation can provide,” said Bob Irvin, President and CEO of American Rivers.

“As we celebrate 50 years of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, it is fitting that there is bipartisan support for protecting nearly 620 miles of new Wild and Scenic Rivers from Massachusetts to California, including adding protections for tributaries of the Rogue River, one of the original eight rivers protected in 1968.”

“S. 47 is the biggest advancement for Wild and Scenic River protection that we’ve seen in nearly a decade. This legislation is the perfect tribute to the hard work of local river advocates nationwide, and a fitting celebration for all who value clean water and healthy rivers.”

“We are grateful to Senators Cantwell and Murkowski for their commitment and leadership in championing this important, bipartisan legislation. Clean, free-flowing rivers are vital for our drinking water supplies, local economies and the outdoor recreation industry. We urge the House to pass this critical bipartisan legislation and send it to the President’s desk for signature.”

The bill adds nearly 620 miles of rivers to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, forever protecting them from new dams and other harmful development. The bill protects:

  • 256 miles of the Rogue, Molalla and Elk rivers in Oregon
  • 110 miles of the Wood-Pawcatuck rivers in Rhode Island and Connecticut
  • 76 miles of Amargosa River, Deep Creek, Surprise Canyon and other desert streams in California
  • 63 miles of the Green River in Utah
  • 62 miles of the Farmington River and Salmon Brook in Connecticut
  • 52.8 miles of the Nashua, Squannacook and Nissitissit rivers in Massachusetts and New Hampshire

Along with the designation of East Rosebud Creek in 2018, Montana’s first new Wild and Scenic River in 42 years, today’s action is a major step forward for the 5,000 Miles of Wild® campaign, an effort led by American Rivers, American Whitewater and other partners to protect 5,000 additional river miles and 1 million acres of riverside by October of 2020. See https://www.5000miles.org/about/

The bill includes other critical river protection and restoration measures, including:

  • Authorization of the Initial Development Phase of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan, a long-term climate adaptation, water supply reliability, river restoration and lands management plan for farms, fish and people in Washington state.
  • Reauthorization of the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the nation’s largest and most important conservation program that provides hundreds of millions of dollars annually to secure the purchase and protection of public lands.
  • Creation of the Frank and Jeanne Moore Wild Steelhead Sanctuary, protecting steelhead habitat in Oregon’s North Umpqua River watershed in honor of Frank Moore, a World War II veteran and his wife, Jeanne, beloved stewards of the river.
  • Mineral withdrawals to protect the Yellowstone River in Montana, the Methow River in Washington and the Wild and Scenic Chetco River in Oregon from harmful mining.
  • The long-overdue name change for Oregon’s Wild and Scenic Whychus Creek, formerly known as Squaw Creek, a derogatory and obsolete term.

February 8, 2019

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington – Congressman John Dingell, a champion for rivers and clean water, passed away yesterday. Bob Irvin, President and CEO of American Rivers, made the following statement:

“John Dingell was one of the greatest champions for the environment in the history of Congress. As the longest serving Member of the House of Representatives, he fought for people and wildlife and was instrumental in the creation of bedrock laws including the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and National Environmental Policy Act. He defended safeguards at hydropower dams to protect river health. We are immensely grateful for his dedication and leadership. Congressman Dingell has left a legacy of healthy rivers that will live on for generations to come.”

 

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For Immediate Release: February 4, 2019

For more information: 

Craig Tucker, Karuk Tribe Natural Resources Consultant, 916-207-8294

Steve Rothert, American Rivers, 530-277-0448

Glen Spain, Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermens’ Associations, (541) 521-8655

Brian Johnson, Trout Unlimited, (415) 385-0796

Regina Chichizola, Save California Salmon, (541) 951-0126

Matt Mais, Yurok Tribe, (707) 954-0976

Communities Line Up to Support Klamath Dam Removal Permit

-California Considers Water Quality Permit for Nation’s Largest Salmon Restoration Project

– Decades Long Fight over Klamath Dams Nearing final Chapter

Arcata, CA— This week, the California Water Board will hold public hearings on a draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) for the removal of the lower four Klamath River dams. Tribes, fishermen, and conservation groups are praising the document which calls removal of the lower four dams “the superior alternative.”

“California’s report supports what many of us have said all along – removal of the lower four Klamath River dams is key to restoring one of America’s most valuable salmon fisheries,” commented Glen Spain with the Pacific Coast Federation of Fishermen’s Associations (PCFFA), the west coast’s largest commercial salmon fishing industry trade organization.

An Environmental Impact Report is required by the California Environmental Quality Act before the state can issue the Clean Water Act permit necessary for dam decommissioning.

“This is another deliberate step towards dam removal,” noted Karuk Chairman Russell “Buster” Attebery. “It has been a long fight but the momentum is now on our side.”

Several dozen Karuk, Yurok, and Hoopa Tribal members traveled to Scotland back in 2004 to protest the shareholders’ meeting of Scottish Power who was then the owner of PacifiCorp who in turn owns the dams. After several years of protest, Scottish Power sold the project to Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway (BRK).

This led Tribes and their allies to Omaha, NE.  “We confronted Mr. Buffett directly over the dams at his shareholders’ meeting in Omaha,” said Yurok Vice-Chairman Frankie Myers. “It was a long hard battle that took several years but, in the end, we worked out a plan that Mr. Buffett and his executives could support and they have been good partners ever since.”

The plan to implement America’s most ambitious salmon restoration project involves $200 million in financing from PacifiCorp, $250 million from an existing California water bond, and creation of the non-profit Klamath River Renewal Corporation (KRRC) to take over the dams and manage the removal effort.

“As we’ve seen time after time on rivers across the country, dam removal works. The Klamath River is on the verge of rebounding back to life. Thanks to years of hard work by so many in this community, our children and grandchildren will know a healthy, free-flowing Klamath River,” said Steve Rothert with American Rivers.

“Two years from now, we will re-unite the Upper and Lower Klamath Basins for the first time in a century,” said Brian Johnson, California Director for Trout Unlimited. “Dam removal is the essential first step toward safe and clean water, strong runs of salmon and steelhead, and healthy communities.”

Key Findings of the DEIR (which can be found here) include:

  • There are many significant, long-term benefits from the proposed project.
  • There are few long-term significant and unavoidable impacts from the project; most negative impacts are short-term and/or can be avoided or reduced through mitigations.
  • The proposed project (removal of lower four dams) is superior to the six alternatives analyzed: 1) No Project; 2) Partial Removal; 3) Continued Operations with Fish Passage; 4) Three Dam Removal (removal of Iron Gate, Copco No. 1, and Copco No. 2 dams); 5) Two Dam Removal (removal of Iron Gate and Copco No. 1 dams); and 6) Dam Removal with No Hatcheries.
  • Dam removal is the only alternative that achieves the project purpose of restoring a free-flowing river.
  • The project complies with water quality objectives ofthe Clean Water Act.
  • Dam removal is the best way to improve water quality for the river.

Dates and locations of public meetings to solicit comments on the DEIR:

-Tuesday, February 5, 2019 (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) at the Best Western Miner’s in Yreka.

-Wednesday, February 6, 2019 (5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.) at the Neighborhood Center on D street in Arcata

-Thursday, February 7, 2019 (12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.) at the Karuk Tribe Council Chambers in Orleans

-Friday, February 15, 2019 (1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.) at the CalEPA Building, Sierra Hearing Room 1001 I Street, 2nd floor in Sacramento.

More information on the Klamath River dams,can be found at http://www.klamathrenewal.org/.

 

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January 15, 2019

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington – As the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works prepares to consider President Trump’s nomination of Andrew Wheeler as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, American Rivers President and CEO Bob Irvin released the following statement:

“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Cuyahoga River catching fire in Cleveland, Ohio. The images of the flames engulfing the pollution-choked river galvanized the nation and spurred Americans nationwide to demand protections for clean water and the environment.

Today, those images remind us that we must not take our rivers for granted. Thanks to the Clean Water Act and leadership from past EPA Administrators, the Cuyahoga and rivers across the nation have a new lease on life.  But that lease is fragile and, therefore, it is more important than ever that the American people stay vigilant, speak up and hold our leaders accountable if we want a future of clean water and healthy rivers.

The American people deserve an EPA Administrator who will safeguard our drinking water and the rivers that flow through our communities. Unfortunately, Andrew Wheeler has a track record of doing the opposite. As Acting Administrator, he has continued the assault on clean water safeguards, including the Clean Water Rule, putting the drinking water for millions of Americans at risk. Like his predecessor, Scott Pruitt, Mr. Wheeler has consistently prioritized polluters over people.

As communities nationwide continue to struggle with pollution, lead pipes, failing water infrastructure and scarce water supplies, this is not the time to weaken protections for our health and the environment. We need an EPA Administrator who will put the well-being of our families and communities first.”

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January 10, 2019

Contact: Matt Rice, ‭803-422-5244‬

Denver, CO — Today, in response to Governor Jared Polis’ first State of the State address, several conservation and sportsmen’s groups praised the Governor’s commitment to supporting Colorado’s Water Plan and ensuring the state’s water security.

During the address, Governor Polis committed to providing bipartisan, sustainable funding for Colorado’s Water Plan. Governor Polis commended his predecessor Governor John Hickenlooper’s role in developing the Water Plan, and pledged that his administration would do its part to improve and implement that plan. Colorado’s Water Plan forecasts a statewide deficit between water supply and demand by 2050. The Colorado River Basin is in its 19th year of drought, with major shortages predicted to start as early as this year.

Following the address, major conservation and sportsmen’s groups released the following statements:

“We commend Governor Polis for recognizing that Colorado’s water security is critical to our state’s economy, environment, and future growth, and that it needs to be top-of-mind for all of our leaders,” said ​Bart Miller, Healthy Rivers Program Director at Western Resource Advocates. ​“Especially after a year of widespread drought and severe wildfire, Coloradans know that there is a growing gap between our water demands and the amount supplied by rain and snow. We must invest in water innovation and conservation, while protecting and enhancing rivers, rural communities and water resources. And all of this must start with fully funding and implementing Colorado’s Water Plan.”

“In Colorado, our rivers are a fundamental component of what makes this such an incredible place to live. Prioritizing funding for Colorado’s Water Plan does not only protect our rivers — it protects our way of life,” said ​Matt Rice, Director of the Colorado River Basin Program at American Rivers. ​“We’re grateful for Governor Polis’ demonstrated commitment, and we look forward to continuing to bolster his leadership on water issues.”

“We welcome Governor Polis’ support for addressing the challenges facing Colorado’s water supply. His comments are an encouraging step forward, but they are also only a first step. Now words must turn into action. Additional attention and resources are needed to implement Colorado’s Water Plan — and in doing so, safeguard our rivers streams and our clean, reliable supply of drinking water for generations to come,” said Carlos Fernandez, Colorado State Director for The Nature Conservancy.

“Governor Polis’ remarks are a recognition not only of the importance of water to Colorado families, but of the water challenges that Colorado could face and how imperative it is that Colorado secures its water future,” said​ Brian Jackson, Senior Manager at the Environmental Defense Fund. ​“It will take sustained action and investment to turn these ideas into reality, and we look forward to working with the Governor and the state legislature to realize them.”

“Colorado’s Water Plan is essential to protecting and sustaining Colorado’s water supplies for the people and birds that rely on them. Future generations—all of whom depend on our ability to be forward-thinking about our water—will benefit from the steps we take now,” said ​Abby Burk, Western Rivers Regional Program Manager at Audubon Rockies. ​“We’re grateful to Governor Polis for his leadership on this issue and are committed to ensuring that the Governor and other state leaders invest in healthy rivers for our state.”

“Sportsmen and women agree with Governor Polis that protecting Colorado’s water and other natural resources is critical for our state’s economy. We look forward to working with his administration to conserve fish and wildlife and promote recreation opportunities that allow all Coloradans to enjoy our rivers and watersheds.” said ​Melinda Kassen, Senior Counsel at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership.

December 15, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke resigned today after a tenure marked by ethics investigations and attacks on the nation’s public lands and waters. Under Secretary Zinke’s leadership, the Department of the Interior consistently put the desires of oil, gas and mining companies above the interests of the American people and the lands and waters on which the nation’s communities depend.

Secretary Zinke pushed to increase oil and gas development on public lands including in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. He shrank protections for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase – Escalante National Monuments. He overturned President Obama’s moratorium on coal mining on public lands. Secretary Zinke tried to raise National Park entrance fees, which would have made them less accessible for many families. He tried to fast-track a mining proposal threatening Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, which American Rivers named among America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2018. Secretary Zinke’s Interior Department suppressed climate science and omitted climate change from key planning efforts.

In addition, the Secretary has been mired in ethics scandals. The Justice Department has been investigating Secretary Zinke for possibly using his office for personal financial gain.

American Rivers President Bob Irvin released the following statement:

“Secretary Zinke failed in carrying out his duty to protect public lands, clean water, and fish and wildlife. We can only hope that whoever is appointed next will take seriously the obligation to be the chief steward of our nation’s rivers and other precious natural resources.”

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December 11, 2018
Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

The Trump administration announced its rewrite of the Clean Water Rule today, and as expected the new rule would eliminate federal protection for wetlands with no apparent surface connection to nearby water bodies, and expressly excludes from protection “ephemeral” rivers and streams that flow in times of heavy rain and snow. These are important parts of healthy river ecosystems that are vital to protecting water quality and providing flood protection and critical wildlife habitat nationwide.

The current Clean Water Rule, promulgated by the Obama administration,
ensured protection of wetlands and ephemeral streams based on the overwhelming scientific consensus that they are vitally important to healthy rivers that supply drinking water to two-thirds of Americans. The Trump administration is reversing the Rule on no apparent scientific basis.

While the Trump administration claims that the new rule does not significantly reduce protections, in fact millions of acres of wetlands nationwide will be affected.

Bob Irvin, President and CEO of American Rivers, made the following statement:

“We need to be doing more as a nation, not less, to safeguard clean water. Unfortunately, the Trump administration’s proposal today fails to deliver – indeed it actively undermines – the protections our rivers and communities need.”

“Too many people in our country, urban and rural, are living with unsafe drinking water. More and more people are worried whether the water flowing from their taps is safe to drink. Low-income communities, indigenous peoples and communities of color are hit hardest by pollution and river degradation.”

“Protection for rivers, streams and wetlands that are the sources of our drinking water supplies must be a top priority to ensure clean water for all. It is time to strengthen, not roll back, safeguards for our rivers and wetlands”

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Jennifer Talhelm, Western Resource Advocates Communications Director,
202-870-4465, Jennifer.talhelm@westernresources.org

Will Roush, Wilderness Workshop Executive Director,
206-979-4016, will@wildernessworkshop.org

Matt Rice, American Rivers Colorado River Basin Program Director,
303-454-3395, mrice@americanrivers.org

David Nickum, Colorado Trout Unlimited Executive Director,
303-440-2937 x1, david.nickum@tu.org

Final agreement means Aspen will abandon plans to build dams on Maroon & Castle Creeks

Aspen, CO (Oct. 16, 2018) – Today, Wilderness Workshop, Western Resource Advocates, American Rivers, and Colorado Trout Unlimited celebrated news that the city of Aspen has reached the last agreement necessary for it to permanently abandon its plans to build dams on Maroon and Castle creeks. Note: Please see information at the end of this release about a happy hour celebration for the Aspen community.

“This agreement is a huge victory for the Maroon Bells Wilderness and the Maroon and Castle creeks. The city of Aspen deserves tremendous credit for agreeing not to build these dams and instead pursue smart water alternatives that will enable the city to respond to future needs and to climate change, while preserving this amazing natural environment that draws visitors from all around the world,” said Western Resource Advocates President Jon Goldin-Dubois. “Communities throughout the Colorado River basin face similar dilemmas; Aspen is showing true leadership by demonstrating that it’s possible to find solutions that protect our rivers, preserve our quality of life, and enable future growth.”

“The signing of this final document means the end of conditional water rights that would have allowed dams to be built across Castle and Maroon creeks. The city of Aspen played a leadership role in working to find a set of solutions that will both protect Castle and Maroon creeks and ensure continued water for the citizens of Aspen,” said Will Roush, Executive Director at Wilderness Workshop. “Castle and Maroon creeks have tremendous ecological and community values, this is a moment to celebrate both the continuation of their free-flowing character and the partnership and collaboration with the city of Aspen that led to this outcome.”

“This is a significant victory for rivers in the Roaring Fork Valley,” said Matt Rice, Colorado River Basin Director for American Rivers. “We applaud the city of Aspen for working with the community to find more sustainable and cost-effective water supply solutions. Thanks to the hard work and persistence of so many people who love this special place, these creeks will forever flow free.”

“Sacrificing the places that make Colorado great is the wrong answer for meeting future water needs,” said David Nickum, Executive Director of Colorado Trout Unlimited. “We appreciate the city of Aspen’s commitment to meet its water supply needs in ways that protect these much-loved valleys and creeks, and the wild trout that call them home.”

If built, the dams proposed on Maroon and Castle creeks would have flooded important wildlife and recreation areas in addition to portions of the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Area, forever changing two of the most beautiful, visited, and photographed valleys in Colorado.

The plans were opposed by Wilderness Workshop, Western Resource Advocates, American Rivers, and Trout Unlimited, as well as several other parties, including Pitkin County and the U.S. Forest Service. This spring, after extensive negotiations, the conservation organizations signed agreements with the city, requiring it to relocate its water rights and abandon plans to build reservoirs with dams on Castle and Maroon creeks, regardless of whether it is successful in moving these rights to alternative locations. However, the agreements were contingent on the city reaching accord with other opposers in the case. Final agreement ending plans for a dam and reservoir on Castle Creek was reached in late summer. Today, the city announced a final settlement regarding the dam and reservoir on Maroon Creek.

The agreements commit Aspen to pursuing more river-friendly water storage strategies. The city will seek to move a portion of its water rights to a suite of more environmentally friendly water storage locations within and downstream of the city limits, including a site near the gravel quarry at Woody Creek. The city of Aspen played a critical role in helping find solutions to protect the two creeks while maintaining an important source of water for the community.

Please join us for a Happy Hour Celebration on Oct. 23 at 5:30 p.m. at the Limelight Hotel in Aspen

The city of Aspen, American Rivers, Western Resource Advocates, Wilderness Workshop, and Trout Unlimited will co-host a happy hour to celebrate this win-win solution for the city’s water future. The public is invited to join staff from the four conservation organizations and the city of Aspen to celebrate the agreement, discuss the importance of balancing municipal water needs with conservation values, delve into the details of the agreement, and answer any questions from the public and media. The event is free and open to the public.

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Western Resource Advocates works to protect the West’s land, air, and water so that our communities thrive in balance with nature. WRA’s team of scientists, lawyers, and economists craft and implement innovative solutions to the most complex natural resource challenges in the region. For more information, visit www.westernresourceadvocates.org and follow us on Twitter @wradv.

Wilderness Workshop is dedicated to preservation and conservation of the wilderness and natural resources of the White River National Forest and adjacent public lands. WW engages in research, education, legal advocacy and grassroots organizing to protect the ecological integrity of local landscapes and public lands. WW is the oldest environmental nonprofit in the Roaring Fork Valley, dating back to 1967 with a membership base of over 800.  Learn more at http://www.wildernessworkshop.org/.

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 275,000 members, supporters, and volunteers. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Find your connections at www.AmericanRivers.org.

Colorado Trout Unlimited is dedicated to conserving, protecting and restoring Colorado’s coldwater fisheries and their watersheds. With a grassroots base comprised of nearly 12,000 members in 24 local chapters across the state, CTU works both locally and statewide through advocacy, education, and on-the-ground restoration projects. For more information visit www.coloradotu.org.

October 16, 2018

Contact: John Cain, 510-388-8930

Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Groundbreaking for the largest freshwater tidal marsh restoration project in California will begin tomorrow in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. The Dutch Slough Tidal Marsh restoration project will restore and enhance nearly two square miles of habitat for fish and wildlife and provide new community parks and trails. The project is one of the first of several restoration projects planned by the state to restore fish and wildlife habitat in the Delta.

“This is the kind of large-scale effort we need to cope with rising sea levels, manage flood waters, and save endangered fish and wildlife,” said John Cain, Conservation Director for American Rivers. “This is one of the first of many multi-benefit flood management projects sponsored by the state to reduce flood risk, enhance recreational opportunities and restore habitat for fish and wildlife.”

The Dutch Slough project site was slated for residential development in the late 1990s. Up to 4,500 homes were permitted, despite the fact that most of the site is at or below sea level and the homes would have faced heightened flood risk. American Rivers Conservation Director John Cain persuaded the landowners to sell the site to the California Department of Water Resources to restore habitat for endangered species and help manage floodwaters.

The project will benefit a number of fish and wildlife species and help the region cope with rising sea levels. The project is specifically designed to provide nursery habitat for juvenile salmon that migrate through the Delta. Juvenile salmon that have plentiful food and habitat are far more likely to survive their journey to the Pacific Ocean and return as adults to their spawning grounds in the rivers of the Central Valley and Sierra Nevada. Sacramento splittail, another native fish that was once common in the Delta, use tidal marshes for spawning and rearing habitat.

“Most people assume that tidal marsh is a salt water environment, but the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta once supported more than 300,000 acres of freshwater tidal marsh,” said Cain. “One of the great benefits of this project is it will allow us to learn more about tidal marsh ecology and apply those lessons to other areas, maximizing our impact for endangered species.”

Like marine environments, the freshwater in the Delta fluctuates daily with the tides, but conversion of the historic marsh lands for agriculture in the 19th and early 20th century destroyed virtually all of this vast wetland.

Dutch Slough is on the Delta Shoreline at the mouth of Marsh Creek which drains the east side of Mt. Diablo.  The Dutch Slough project is the first of several projects planned to restore fresh and brackish marsh in the Delta.  Other freshwater tidal projects are planned for the Cache Slough, north of Rio Vista and the McCormick Williamson Project near Walnut Grove.

Improving shoreline access, educational, and recreational opportunities are some of the goals of the Dutch Slough project. When complete, the project will include a 55-acre community park at the end of Sellers Road, a non-motorized boat launch from the community park site, and six miles of new trail around large parts of the restoration site. These recreational amenities will not be completed for several years, but the public can view the restoration site today from the Marsh Creek trail.

Event information:

The groundbreaking will take place at 10:30am on Wednesday, October 17 at the Dutch Slough site at the end of Sellers Road.

October 15, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

“Philanthropist, investor and entrepreneur Paul Allen had a global impact on environmental conservation and sustainability. American Rivers is grateful for his personal commitment to river restoration and dam removal in the Pacific Northwest. His generosity will continue to drive salmon and orca recovery efforts and his influence will be felt for generations to come.”

– Bob Irvin, President and CEO, American Rivers

October 10, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Washington — Today, the Senate passed H.R. 3021, America’s Infrastructure Act of 2018, sending it to the White House to be signed into law. The bill contains significant measures that benefit rivers and clean water and will improve public health and safety.

Commonly referred to as the Water Resources Development Act, this legislation authorizes the Army Corps of Engineers to implement projects to reduce flood risk, improve navigation, and restore rivers across the nation. American Rivers applauded key highlights, including:

  • The Corps must consider natural flood protection alternatives that give rivers room
  • The Corps must consider, and can pursue, removal of dams and other outdated infrastructure
  • Increased funding to replace lead fixtures and ensure safe drinking water
  • Improvements to hydropower law while upholding environmental protections
  • No rollbacks to core environmental safeguards

“This bill is a win for rivers and communities across the country, and represents a major step forward in the management and stewardship of our nation’s rivers,” said Bob Irvin, President and CEO of American Rivers. “We applaud the progress toward safer communities, healthier rivers and clean drinking water.”

“America’s Infrastructure Act of 2018 makes real progress on improving the nation’s infrastructure without undermining bedrock environmental laws. This bill proves that strong infrastructure and environmental protection go hand-in-hand. The authors of this bill, Representatives Shuster, DeFazio, Walden, and Pallone, along with Senators Barrasso, Carper, Inhofe, Cardin, Murkowski, and Cantwell should be congratulated for their leadership,” Irvin said.

The bill’s action on flood protection is timely, as climate change is bringing more frequent and severe flooding, and another hurricane is threatening the Southeastern U.S. The bill directs the Army Corps to consider natural infrastructure alternatives when developing projects to reduce flood risk.

“Natural infrastructure, including floodplains and wetlands, must be our first line of defense when mitigating flood damage. Restoring floodplains to give rivers more room to accommodate flood water, while shifting development to higher ground, is the best way to keep our communities safe,” said Irvin.
The bill also requires the Army Corps to consider environmental restoration options, including dam removal, when evaluating potentially outdated infrastructure. The bill clarifies that the Corps can pursue removal of outdated infrastructure under existing programs.

“This is great news for communities that are stuck with outdated dams. Getting rid of obsolete infrastructure and restoring a natural, free-flowing river makes sense for taxpayers, the environment and local economies. Having Congress direct the Corps to not only evaluate, but pursue dam removal when it makes sense, is a big step toward the restoration and revitalization of rivers nationwide,” said Irvin.

H.R. 3021 also addresses the nation’s clean drinking water needs. The bill doubles funding for drinking water infrastructure funded under the Safe Drinking Water Act and creates a new grant program to replace lead drinking water fixtures in schools.

“This is an important down payment on protecting our children’s future by ensuring that every school and every household has safe drinking water supplies,” Irvin said.

H.R. 3021 contains the most significant changes to hydropower law enacted in more than a decade. The bill will encourage utilities to upgrade their dams before their licenses expire, promotes the responsible electrification of non-powered federal dams, and makes it easier to generate electricity from conduits, all without undermining fundamental environmental protections.

Despite all of its positive reforms, H.R. 3021 is not perfect, and includes some harmful projects including the “One Lake Project” on the Pearl River in Mississippi. American Rivers named the Pearl River among America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2015 because of the threats the unproven flood management scheme poses to river health, fish and wildlife, and public safety.

“American Rivers will continue fighting the One Lake Project and other boondoggle projects that cause more harm than good,” said Irvin. “We believe every community deserves clean water and a healthy river.”

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 275,000 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.

September 21, 2018

Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145, akober@americanrivers.org

In the wake of destruction brought by Hurricane Florence, American Rivers President Bob Irvin made the following statement:

“For the fourth year in a row, the Carolinas have been hit hard by devastating hurricanes and flooding. As a national conservation organization with offices in North Carolina and South Carolina, American Rivers joins with our friends and colleagues there in mourning those whose lives were lost and caring for those whose homes and businesses have been destroyed.

In particular, we recognize that communities of color are suffering disproportionately from the flood’s impacts and we stand with them in seeking to rectify the systemic inequities that have caused these impacts.

Our staff in the region are ready to assist Carolina communities with lasting river restoration and flood protection solutions as they clean up and rebuild.  We encourage all of our supporters to help our friends and neighbors in the Carolinas with relief efforts.”

American Rivers has extensive expertise on dam safety and floodplain restoration. American Rivers named the Neuse and Cape Fear Rivers among America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2017 because of the threat of animal waste stored in floodplains.

American Rivers staff in the Carolinas are available for media interviews:

Gerrit Jobsis, Senior Director, Rivers of Southern Appalachia and the Carolinas:803-771-7114, gjobsis@americanrivers.org

Peter Raabe, Conservation Director, Rivers of Southern Appalachia & the Carolinas: 919-682-3500, praabe@americanrivers.org

American Rivers experts can speak to solutions including:

Protect and restore floodplains: Naturally functioning floodplains store floodwaters and reduce downstream flooding. We need to take advantage of these natural defenses. See https://www.americanrivers.org/threats-solutions/restoring-damaged-rivers/benefits-of-restoring-floodplains/

Get people out of harm’s way: Poorly planned growth has allowed development in flood prone areas, putting people in harm’s way. We need to replace developed areas with green spaces that can absorb floodwaters and buffer communities from damages.

Relocate industrial livestock feedlots out of vulnerable floodplains.See America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2017 listing of Neuse and Cape Fear rivers: https://www.americanrivers.org/2017/06/neuse-cape-fear-floodplain-protection/

Strengthen state dam safety laws and programs: More than 100 failed dams over the past three years make it clear that our current standards, especially for earthen dams which are by far the most likely to fail, do not provide safety with the reality of today’s extreme flooding.

Remove dams that do not meet safety requirements: We cannot wait until dams fail to take action. Poorly maintained and improperly designed dams need to be removed to protect downstream communities and infrastructure before they fail. See https://www.americanrivers.org/2016/10/removing-dams-can-save-lives/

 

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 275,000 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.