American Rivers Applauds Senate Introduction of Critical Climate Legislation
Washington, DC -- American Rivers today applauded Senators John Kerry and Barbara Boxer for introducing the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act. The bill would reduce global warming pollution 20 percent by 2020 and create millions of new jobs in alternative energy and other sectors. The bill would also help communities begin to prepare for the impacts, like more intense floods and droughts, that a changing climate is already causing around the country.
The president of American Rivers, Rebecca Wodder, made the following statement:
“Climate change is the greatest threat to the future of our rivers and clean water. We are already seeing more frequent and severe floods and droughts and rising levels of water pollution. The increase in extreme weather is slowing economic growth, increasing waterborne disease and taking lives in communities across the country. To avoid the worst, we must take immediate action to reduce global warming pollution and prepare our communities for the impacts that are already taking place.”
“We applaud Senators Kerry and Boxer for introducing legislation that not only confronts this global crisis but will launch investment in a new 21st century American economy fueled by innovation and domestic renewable energy instead of dirty fossil fuels.”
“This legislation recognizes that communities need help preparing for the many impacts a changing climate will bring, especially to our vital water resources. To address the unavoidable impacts of climate change we must upgrade our infrastructure by relying more on natural defenses such as wetlands and floodplains that provide clean drinking water and protect against floods. This bill will allow cash-strapped communities across the country to begin this process and work towards a safer and healthier future.”
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American Rivers is the leading organization working to protect and restore the nation’s rivers and streams. Rivers connect us to each other, nature, and future generations. Since 1973, American Rivers has fought to preserve these connections, helping protect and restore more than 150,000 miles of rivers through advocacy efforts, on-the-ground projects, and the annual release of America’s Most Endangered Rivers®.
Headquartered in Washington, DC, American Rivers has offices across the country and more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide. Visit www.americanrivers.org, www.facebook.com/americanrivers and www.twitter.com/americanrivers.
