The National Wildlife Federation actively works to advance critical initiatives and legislation to protect not only wildlife but also our natural resources, public lands, drinking water, watersheds and climate resiliency.
Together, with the support of Congress and the Biden Administration, our goal is to create a Great Lakes region where fish and wildlife thrive; where all people have access to affordable, safe, and clean water; and where everyone can connect with the outdoors and enjoy the abundant wildlife and wild places here in the Great Lakes region.
We urge Congress and the Biden Administration to champion and support the following initiatives and legislation:
The Great Lakes encompass 95% of North America’s freshwater, and over 40 million people rely on them for drinking water. They are foundational to the region’s economy and way of life.
The Ohio River is a working river that is home to more than 25 million people, many of whom depend on the river, its tributaries, wetlands, and water resources for their drinking water, as an economic engine, as well as a place of recreation.
The National Wildlife Federation is leading a workgroup to craft a restoration and protection action plan for the 14-state Ohio River basin ecosystem to address serious threats including sewage overflows, toxic pollution, mine waste, flooding, and runoff pollution. Workgroup members hail from state and federal agencies, academia, business, industry, and non-governmental institutions.
The science-based Ohio River restoration plan will be delivered to the U.S. Congress in 2023. The goal is to establish a federally funded restoration program for the Ohio River basin, similar to federal initiatives to restore the Chesapeake Bay, Florida Everglades, Great Lakes, and other iconic U.S. waters.
The Mississippi River, a cultural and national treasure, runs through 10 states, drains 41 percent of the continental United States, and carries more water than any other American river. It provides drinking water, recreation, and a source of commerce for millions of people. Both these rivers face unprecedented challenges that require robust Congressional investment.
The Great Lakes encompass 95% of North America’s freshwater, and over 40 million people rely on them for drinking water. They are foundational to the region’s economy and way of life.
The Great Lakes encompass 95% of North America’s freshwater, and over 40 million people rely on them for drinking water. They are foundational to the region’s economy and way of life.
The Mississippi River, a cultural and national treasure, runs through 10 states, drains 41 percent of the continental United States, and carries more water than any other American river. It provides drinking water, recreation, and a source of commerce for millions of people. Both these rivers face unprecedented challenges that require robust Congressional investment.
Marc Smith, Policy Director, National Wildlife Federation, msmith@nwf.org
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