Environmental Defense Welcomes Findings on Missouri River Flow
Contact: Tim Searchinger 202 387-3500 ext 3344
David Cherry 202 387-3500 ext 3324
Environmental Defense today welcomed a new report by the National Research Council which emphasizes the urgent need to restore more natural flows along the Missouri River.
“For years, some have continued to claim that U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service demands for more natural river flows on the Missouri are not based on science,” said Environmental Defense senior attorney Tim Searchinger.
“Now one of the nation’s most prestigious scientific bodies has emphatically declared that returning the river’s natural flow is critical,” said Searchinger. “And in its calm, scientific manner, the report rings a loud alarm bell that warns without immediate change, the ecology of the river is facing complete collapse. ”
“We are also pleased that the panel went out of its way to explain why restoring the river makes economic sense, and that particular emphasis was placed on showing the marginal benefits from navigation,” Searchinger said. “At a minimum, this report seems to be calling for an end to barging on stretches of the river in Nebraska and Iowa where barges are now seen about as often as Elvis.”
The National Research Council, an arm of the National Academy of Sciences, completed the report on the Missouri River at the request of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers.
One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 3 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund
Latest press releases
-
GOP House Appropriators Are on the Wrong Track
July 26, 2024 -
Energy Permitting Reform Must Advance Climate Progress and Community Safeguards
July 26, 2024 -
EDF Heads to Court to Defend EPA Action to Identify Climate Pollution, Including Methane from Landfills
July 24, 2024 -
New DOE Transmission Grants Will Deliver Reliable Power, Lower Costs and Jobs to Communities
July 24, 2024 -
New analysis: If Duke Energy’s gas plant ambitions are approved, the average residential customer could pay nearly $2,100 more on power bills through 2038
July 23, 2024 -
President Biden’s Vital Climate Leadership “Delivered Real, Positive Benefits for Everyone”
July 21, 2024