The 2009 River Action Day was a Success!

June 3, 2009 | Clean Water, Protecting Rivers, Restoring Rivers, Water Supply, Global Warming

Caitlin Jennings
Communications Associate

American Rivers Senior Director of River Protection David Moryc, Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT), and American Rivers board member Nora Hohenlohe

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate in the 2009 River Action Day (RAD)!   For six years, since 2003, RAD has provided a unique opportunity for river advocates across the country to meet with members of Congress to discuss the issues important to their communities and local rivers. 

The event began with a motivating speech by Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) who emphasized that now is the time to bring positive change to America and pass strong legislation to reverse climate change and restore natural resources that protect communities.  This was followed by a blessing by AR Board member Ray Gardner, who is also the Chinook Tribal Chairman. 

River Action Day participants from 22 states then spent the day on Capitol Hill visiting with their Senators and Representatives.  Participants discussed the importance of their local rivers to their communities and the threats posed by climate change impacts like increased flooding and droughts.  They urged their members of Congress to help strengthen and pass the American Clean Energy and Security Act (H.R. 2454) sponsored by Congressmen Henry Waxman (D-CA) and Ed Markey (D-MA).  Participants also stressed the importance of providing dedicated funding in climate change legislation to protect and restore rivers and natural resources that will boost communities’ resilience to the impacts of climate change.

Thanks to all the RAD participants and American Rivers’ Board Members who made RAD 2009 another huge success!

Read the Press Release and learn more about RAD.

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