WV Rivers News: Crunch Time on Climate; Clean Water Act; MVP and the Gauley River; We’re Hiring
Crunch Time on Climate Investments
Investments in federal infrastructure and climate change mitigation are top priorities in Congress. You may have noticed that news coverage on these issues usually includes analysis on Senator Manchin’s current position. That’s because Congress will be deciding on a set of bills that have the potential to make transformational investments in climate change resiliency, public water infrastructure, and support for communities that will be hit the hardest by our nation’s transition from fossil fuels – and our own Senator Manchin is the key to making it happen.
Read this great op-ed in the Charleston Gazette-Mail on why substantial investments in combating climate change are so urgent.
West Virginia has a lot to lose without a robust set of infrastructure bills and we’re counting on Senator Manchin to make sure we get what we deserve! If you are a West Virginian, let Senator Manchin know that our state’s future is riding on his budget vote. Send him an email and call his office today! We’ve made it easy for you – just click the button below.
Redefining Stream Protections Under the Clean Water Act
In late August, a federal judge overturned a Trump era rule called the “Navigable Water Rule” that restricted which waterbodies fell under the protection of the Clean Water Act. The ruling cited errors in the rule-making process that could lead to “serious environmental harm” if left in place.
It’s estimated that 1 million West Virginians depend on drinking water sources that are fed by streams that lost protections under the Trump era rule.
The reversal of the Navigable Water Rule follows a June announcement by the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers of their intent to review the policy within the Clean Water Act that determines waterbodies eligibility for Clean Water Act protections. We’ll keep you informed as policy discussions move forward.
WV Rivers’ Board Member Paul Breuer on the Mountain Valley Pipeline
WV Rivers’ board member Paul Breuer is getting ready to begin his 48th year of raft guiding on the Gauley and New Rivers. These iconic whitewater rivers are truly wild and wonderful, a fact recognized by the National Park Service in naming the New River Gorge the country’s newest National Park.
As a guide, Paul makes it a point to know everything there is about the rivers he loves. One of the most pressing issues facing the Gauley River is the Mountain Valley Pipeline. Click here for a message form Paul and how you can help.
The WV Rivers Team is Growing!
Extend a warm welcome to Kate Leary, WV Rivers’ newest team member. Kate brings a wealth of experience to her new role as our operations manager.
Kate has a Master’s Degree from the University of Montana and a Bachelor’s Degree from Allegheny College, both in Environmental Studies. Prior to joining the WV Rivers staff, Kate worked at Philanthropy West Virginia as a Program and Engagement Coordinator, Friends of Blackwater Canyon as an Executive Assistant and Outreach Staffer, and the West Virginia Environmental Council as a lobbyist. Send a Kate a welcome message.
WV Rivers is Hiring 2 Full Time Positions
We’re hiring not one but TWO full-time campaign coordination positions!
The Public Lands Campaign Coordinator and Climate Campaign Coordinator are both responsible for the overall coordination and execution of their respective campaign goals and activities.
Read the full job descriptions, including salary and benefits offered, and apply here.
Help spread the word. Please forward this announcement on to folks who might be interested in the positions.
Upcoming Events
September 14: “Climate Change, Local Communities, and a Fair Transition” Webinar. Hosted by the West Virginia Center on Climate Policy
September 16: Town Hall with WVDEP’s Environmental Advocate’s Office. Hosted by West Virginia Environmental Council
Mon Forest Listening Sessions
September 15: Skiing and Winter Sports in the Mon Forest
September 16: Bear Hunting in the Mon Forest
