American Rivers Applauds House for Passing Critical Climate Legislation

June 26, 2009

Washington DC -- American Rivers today applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for passing the American Clean Energy and Security Act, H.R. 2454 and vowed to continue to work to strengthen the bill when it is considered by the U.S. Senate. American Rivers stressed the importance of including so-called "adaptation measures" that will help communities and wildlife prepare for the floods, droughts, waterborne diseases, and other impacts that will come with a changing climate.

Rebecca Wodder, president of American Rivers, made the following statement:

"Climate change is the greatest threat to the future of our rivers and clean water.  We are already seeing major impacts on rivers, lakes and streams across the country with more frequent and intense droughts and floods and increasing temperatures. Even with aggressive reduction in global warming pollution, we should anticipate more of this in the future."

"We applaud Chairman Henry Waxman, Chairman Ed Markey, and Speaker Nancy Pelosi for their efforts to pass 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."

"The same old solutions to managing our water resources – dams, levees, pipes – aren't suited to dealing with the increased volatility and uncertainty of climate change.  To address the unavoidable impacts of climate change we must protect and restore our communities' natural defenses, like healthy rivers, wetlands, and floodplains, that provide benefits like clean drinking water and flood protection."

"American Rivers is dedicated to strengthening this important bill so communities across the country get the help they need to prepare for the coming impacts of climate change. By protecting our rivers and other natural resources, we will protect public health, safety, and quality of life. By helping nature, we help ourselves."

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American Rivers is the leading conservation organization fighting for healthy rivers so communities can thrive. American Rivers protects and restores America's rivers for the benefit of people, wildlife and nature. Founded in 1973, American Rivers has more than 65,000 members and supporters, with offices in Washington, DC and nationwide.