American Rivers Statement on NOAA Staffing Cuts

Contact: Hawk Hammer, National Communications and Media Director, Hhammer@americanrivers.org  

Washington D.C.— In response to reports that hundreds of staff were cut from their positions at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), American Rivers is releasing the following statement from Tom Kiernan, our president and CEO.  

“The importance of NOAA’s scientific leadership in informing everyday people and decision-makers at the local, state and federal level about the threats of extreme weather like hurricanes, flooding and drought cannot be overstated. We hope the administration reconsiders these staffing decisions to avoid wide-ranging and dangerous impacts on our nation’s ability to protect people, water resources, and freshwater ecosystems. They could also impede investments already made to remove outdated and unsafe dams.” 

About American Rivers 

American Rivers is championing a national effort to protect and restore all rivers, from remote mountain streams to urban waterways. Healthy rivers provide people and nature with clean, abundant water and natural habitat. For 50 years, American Rivers staff, supporters, and partners have shared a common belief: Life Depends on Rivers. AmericanRivers.org