American Rivers, Earthjustice Urge Clean Water Support
A radio ad by actor Tom Skerritt hit Minnesota airwaves late last month, urging Sen. Amy Klobuchar to support the Clean Water Restoration Act (S.787). The act is expected to restore essential protections for Minnesota's and the nation's rivers and streams. Skerritt, star of "A River Runs Through It" and other films, is a board member of American Rivers and friend of Earthjustice. The public service announcements are paid for by the two organizations.
"Water is life," said Skerritt. "Rivers and streams are like the veins and arteries in our bodies. If our water isn't clean, we suffer. If future generations are to enjoy clean water and healthy rivers and most importantly, survive, Congress must pass the Clean Water Restoration Act."
According to the groups' press release, Minnesota's wetlands in the Red River Valley, North Central Hardwood Forest, Western Cornbelt Plains, and Northern Glaciated Plains regions are at risk of losing protections.
Klobuchar is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, which will be considering clean water bills this month.
The Clean Water Restoration Act was introduced by Sen. Russ Feingold, Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Sen. Barbara Boxer, Water Subcommittee Chair Sen. Ben Cardin and 20 other Senators on April 2.