Eileen Fretz
Associate Director of Government Relations

Blog Posts By This Author

River Policy Update: 2011 Wrap-Up

February 3, 2012 | Protecting Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Most Endangered Rivers, Floods & Floodplains, Clean Water, Stormwater & Sewage, Greening Water Infrastructure

Welcome to the first edition of the new and improved “River Policy Update”! This monthly blog series will provide comprehensive and timely updates on federal laws and policies affecting rivers across the country. If you’d like to receive the policy update each month, sign up here and fill out the survey to let us know what you’d like to see.

Hurricane Irene Underscores Need For Better Preparation

August 29, 2011 | Dams & Dam Removal, Floods & Floodplains, Protecting Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Stormwater & Sewage

Over the past week Mother Nature has done a fine job of reminding those of us on the East Coast that she’s the one that’s really in charge. Between the earthquake that shocked us all, and Hurricane Irene still wreaking havoc as it moves up the east coast, we’re reminded that as much as we plan and prepare, natural disasters will still occur.

House of Representatives Passes Bipartisan Bill; Will Improve the Environment

July 15, 2011 | Floods & Floodplains, Small Streams & Wetlands, Protecting Rivers

That headline might come as a shock to anyone who’s been paying close attention to the goings on in Congress these days. But I’m happy to report that the House of Representatives actually broke their streak of attacks on the environment this week when they passed H.R. 1309, The Flood Insurance Reform Act by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 406-22.

Wild and Scenic Threats

April 11, 2011 | Most Endangered Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Protecting Rivers

They’re the last outstanding, free-flowing, highest quality rivers in America and they exist as a promise to future generations that we’ll save a few of these special places for them to enjoy and benefit from.

Congress should end the year with a win for rivers

December 20, 2010 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers

A month ago I told you about the dozens of public lands, water, and wildlife bills awaiting final votes in Congress before the end of the year and the obstacles to passing these bills on their own. At the time it seemed like asking Congressional Leadership to hold a vote on these bills was a long shot. But- after hearing from so many people across the country who support these bills, I’m happy to say that your Senators listened!

Still Time for Rivers to Benefit in the Lame Duck

November 12, 2010 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers

I have a sense of déjà vu this month as another session of Congress quickly comes to a close with a logjam of un-passed water and land bills still awaiting votes in the Senate. Just like late in 2008, the House and Senate Committees have approved dozens of environmental bills that will significantly benefit rivers, estuaries, lands, and wildlife across the nation. These bills just need final votes to cross the finish line.

House May Correct Bad Policies of the Past with Oil Spill Legislation

July 28, 2010 | Clean Water, Restoring Rivers, Water Supply, Stormwater & Sewage Read more »