For those of us in the American West who are passionate about protecting the places we love, who are concerned about climate change, and who understand that our great rivers are the lifeblood of the region, the new direction of the federal government is cause for serious concern.
The Trump administration has proposed extreme cuts to the EPA's budget and has begun eliminating protections for key rivers, streams, and wetlands in the West. Cabinet appointees have repeatedly voiced skepticism about the human impact on climate change. The President's actions have made it clear that we must defend against a federal attack on conservation and our nation's bedrock environmental protections.
But there is hope – protecting the West is still possible. State-level action will be a powerful force to safeguard our public lands, protect our rivers and lakes, and reduce carbon pollution while accelerating the transition to clean energy. But our Western governors must stand with us.
Your governor has the power to defend against the Trump administration's anti-conservation agenda and protect the places you love – but your voice is urgently needed.
Tell your state governor to stand up in the face of these attacks and commit to advancing clean energy and protecting clean air, flowing rivers, and public lands.
Dear Governor,
Recent statements and actions by the Trump administration threaten implementation of critical policies that protect our air, land and water and our quality of life. These common-sense protections, passed under Republican and Democratic administrations alike, have contributed dramatically to the West's competitive advantage, cleaning the air in urban areas, safeguarding our drinking water, ensuring that our rivers and lakes remain healthy, and protecting magnificent landscapes that draw millions of visitors each year.
I urge you to take steps to protect what is great about the West.
As a Western governor, you recognize that clean energy provides cleaner air and is increasingly a more affordable energy option. You also recognize that clean energy has created tens of thousands of jobs in states across the region. We know that you recognize the importance of sustainable and collaborative water management, which not only protects our lakes and rivers, but also ensures that our communities and agriculture thrive. We know that you understand how the majority of our residents value and enjoy our public lands and how these world class resources draw visitors that support our outdoor economy.
Please act to ensure that the new administration does not harm our state's environment or public health. Please be pro-active in efforts to continue our region's leadership in advancing clean energy, in protecting our rivers, lakes, and water for our communities, and in protecting our public lands so that our communities can continue to thrive. We need your strong leadership to advance our state's quality of life, to protect our environment, and to support a strong economy!
Signed by:
[Your Name]
