Jessie Thomas-Blate
Coordinator, Most Endangered Rivers

Blog Posts By This Author

An "Energetic" State of the Union

January 27, 2012 | Clean Water, Fracking, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers

In this year’s State of the Union address, President Obama spoke extensively about the importance of domestic energy development to increase jobs and decrease dependence on foreign oil. The President used the term “clean energy” to encompass a broad array of energy practices. What should be considered “clean energy”?

Help Keep the Roanoke River Free of Uranium!

January 19, 2012 | Clean Water, Protecting Rivers, Most Endangered Rivers

Earlier this year, American Rivers listed the Roanoke River as one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® because it was threatened with a uranium mine. Recently, the National Academy of Sciences released a study on the potential impacts of uranium mining in Virginia. Now, the fight is heading to the state legislature. Our partners, the Keep the Ban Coalition, are trying to save the Roanoke River and preserve the health of area residents. They ask you to show your support through signing their petition.

Protecting Rivers in NY from Fracking

January 6, 2012 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers

As you know, American Rivers has listed two rivers bordering New York as America’s Most Endangered Rivers® of 2010 and 2011— the Upper Delaware and Susquehanna Rivers. The issue of natural gas development continues to be battled on many fronts in the states and federal government. Today our friends at Riverkeeper in New York have asked for your help to protect their water from the impacts of natural gas development. New York is considering a new fracking plan that NEEDS YOUR INPUT TODAY!

Success on Mattawoman Creek

December 20, 2011 | Clean Water, Greening Water Infrastructure, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers, Small Streams & Wetlands

The Maryland Department of the Environment denied a permit to build the Cross County Connector over one of America’s Most Endangered RiversTM of 2009, Mattawoman Creek.  American Rivers celebrates this success with our partners.

Busy Week for Natural Gas Across the Country

December 19, 2011 | Fracking, Clean Water, Protecting Rivers

Major activity has happened regarding natural gas development across the country this week. Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Colorado, Texas, and the Susquehanna River Basin Commission have all been contemplating and debating the best way to manage the boom in natural gas development.

What is Happening with the 2011 Most Endangered Rivers?

December 8, 2011 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Fracking, Protecting Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Water Efficiency

Each spring American Rivers releases our top ten list of America’s Most Endangered RiversTM. It is a day full of both angst and hope. Of course, no river really wants to have the dubious distinction of being under such a great threat as to make “the list”. Most rivers would rather flow freely- babbling along to their own river song. Unfortunately, sometimes people make that nearly impossible.

Attention Bears, Cubs, and Bulls: Chicago River is Becoming a Cleaner Watering Hole

December 2, 2011 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers

Everyone in Chicago will soon be able to enjoy the great strides being made to clean up the Chicago River.  Thanks to our local partners, the #4 Most Endangered River in America for 2011 is making its way off the list and into the hearts of Chicagoans and visitors to the Windy City.  In a recent article in the Chemical and Engineering News, the editor takes a visit to this special place and remarks on the importance of Clean Water Act protections in improving the quality of life for Americans.

Help Us Give the Delaware River an Upgrade

November 28, 2011 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers

In recent months, American Rivers has been working with the Delaware Riverkeeper Network to compile a petition to the state of Pennsylvania to upgrade the protective status of the Upper and Middle Delaware River to the highest level- Exceptional Value.  You can help make this happen!

DRBC Postpones Vote on Fracking Regulations

November 18, 2011 | Clean Water, Most Endangered Rivers, Protecting Rivers, Wild and Scenic Rivers

Yesterday, American Rivers joined with advocates across the Marcellus Shale region to ask the Delaware River Basin Commission (DRBC) not to vote on regulations that will govern the development of natural gas in the Basin on November 21.  Thankfully the public outcry is making an impact!  Today the DRBC announced that it has cancelled the meeting on Monday, and has not announced a new date.

Will the Delaware River Basin Soon be Fracked Up?

November 17, 2011 | Clean Water, Fracking, Protecting Rivers, Most Endangered Rivers

The fate of America's Most Endangered River of 2010 could be determined this month in a critical vote on natural gas regulations. The tenion in the region is palpable, even from my desk here in Washington, D.C. On Nov. 21, the Delaware River Basin Commission will be voting on regulations that will govern the development of natural gas in the Basin.