New Federal Guidelines for Water Projects Give Overdue Recognition of Need for New Approach
Washington - American Rivers today welcomed the release of the Obama Administration’s updated federal guidelines for water infrastructure investments.
Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers, made the following statement:
“The new guidelines are a long overdue recognition that the old ways of treating our nation’s rivers are insufficient for the demands of the 21st century. The old guidelines relegated concerns about environmental protection, river health, and sustainable water management to a minor role in federal decision-making. For years American Rivers has called for revised guidelines that implement a more balanced approach to federal investments in water infrastructure. We have called for guidelines that support river restoration and provide natural security against increased flood and drought brought on by climate change. We appreciate the Administration’s efforts, and we will be reviewing the new rules closely.”
“Healthy rivers, wetlands, and coasts provide clean and abundant supplies of water, protect communities by reducing flood and storm damages, and provide essential habitat for fish and wildlife. Federal agencies must account for these values in water resources planning.”
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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.
