Dear President Obama,
I am very concerned about threats to clean water in the United States.
America's Most Endangered Rivers™ of 2011, recently released by American Rivers, reports that natural gas drilling, mining, and sewage pollution put the listed rivers — and the drinking water for millions of Americans — at serious risk. Flooding along the Mississippi River and the loss of millions of acres of wetlands deepens my concerns.
Water is our most precious natural resource. Sixty-five percent of our drinking water comes from rivers and streams. Clean water is vital to the health of our families, communities, and wildlife.
On May 4 of this year, your Administration laid out a vision to protect and restore our nation's clean water and healthy rivers and wetlands. I applaud your commitment and vision and ask that you remain a champion for America's Most Endangered Rivers of 2011 and all of our nation's rivers. Please carry through on your commitments to issue strong guidance and rules that protect all of our nation's rivers and wetlands to safeguard today's communities and leave a healthy legacy for future generations.
We all need clean water!