Statement on Biden Administration’s Climate Week Announcements
Contact:
Jaime D. Sigaran (240) 593-3433
Amy Souers Kober (503) 708-1145
Washington, DC – During Climate Week, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a series of climate commitments including critical investments and projects to restore rivers, support fish passage, enhance infrastructure for Tribal Nations, and protect clean water. Building on the Investing in America Agenda and the America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, the Biden-Harris Administration leaves a legacy that creates a new formula for success in how our nation strengthens the economy while expanding clean energy and balancing conservation.
In response to the White House announcement, Tom Kiernan, President and CEO of American Rivers issued the following statement:
“We commend the Biden-Harris Administration for their work to restore rivers and support clean water for Americans nationwide. Too many communities are held back and harmed by pollution, unsafe dams, and outdated infrastructure. The administration’s actions for water and rivers will make our communities safer and healthier, and our entire nation stronger.
“Rivers drive local economies and are the backbone of every community across America. No matter where you live, rivers and streams play a critical role in providing clean, safe, reliable drinking water, supporting businesses, farms and ranches, and giving families access to nature.”
“As a partner of America the Beautiful Freshwater Challenge, we are proud of the commitments made today and look forward to reigniting on our efforts to turn this vision into reality. Today’s announcement complements American Rivers’ mission to protect 1 million miles by 2030 and half of all rivers in the country by 2050.”
“We are particularly grateful for the Oconaluftee River Restoration project in North Carolina, a project to remove the Ela Dam and eliminate the only physical barrier preventing the Oconaluftee River from flowing freely and reconnect 549 river miles that benefit rare and federally endangered species.”
Key Highlights:
- 10 transformational fish passage projects that bring economic prosperity and opportunity to communities across Arizona, Alaska, California, Maine, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, and Washington.
- 3 contracts for long-term water conservation for the Lower Colorado River Basin all with the Gila River Indian Community which will provide 73,000 acre-feet of water savings.
- A new water infrastructure investment of $9.4 million for Tribal Nations to address drought relief and receive technical projects including wetland restoration, irrigation, and groundwater monitoring.
- An additional $92 million for Bureau of Reclamation’s WaterSMART Aquatic Ecosystems Restoration Program to restore salmon and native fish in the West as well as provide increased water quality, floodplain stability and drought resiliency.
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. For more information, please visit www.AmericanRivers.org