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Will this be the year for water policy in Alabama?
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February 7, 2012
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Will this be the year for water policy in Alabama?
We are working to make it so.
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With recurring droughts, a depressed economy, and ongoing disputes with Georgia over the use of our major river systems, protection of Alabama's water resources has reached a critical point. Without a meaningful plan for the sustainable use of our state's water resources, water will become the limiting factor for growth in Alabama and the health of our rivers will suffer as more and more stress is put on these valuable resources.
In order to move the state forward and ward off water grabs from our neighbors, Governor Bentley and the Joint Legislative Committee for Water Policy and Management under the leadership of Sen. Arthur Orr and Rep. Alan Boothe are working to develop a comprehensive water security plan for Alabama. We anticipate that these efforts will result in legislation early on in the upcoming session that will instruct the Alabama Office of Water Resources to engage in a two year planning process that will culminate with the presentation of a comprehensive water plan to the Legislature.
The 2012 Alabama State Legislative Session opened this week. The Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Southern Environmental Law Center have been working with environmental groups from across the state to ensure that this is the year Alabama leaders will begin developing a comprehensive water security plan for Alabama! We must make sure that any water policy and planning process is open to meaningful stakeholder participation and that the resulting comprehensive water security plan is sustainable and protective of our states aquatic resources.
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What you can do?
- Call your legislator today and let them know that you think Alabama needs a comprehensive water management plan now. Let them know that you want them to make this a priority in the 2012 legislative session. Click here to find your legislator.
- Keep up with emails from the Alabama Rivers Alliance, so you will know when legislation is developed and can take action when needed.
- Support the Alabama Rivers Alliance through your financial support. Click here to donate toward this work.
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What we have been doing:
July 2011 - Released the Alabama Water Agenda with a statewide media tour calling for a comprehensive water management plan for Alabama.
August/September 2011 - Presented our policy recommendations at the Alabama Water Resources Conferences and at the meeting of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Water Policy and Management Subcommittee on Economic Development.
October 2011 - Hired political consultant, former Senator, Kim Benefield to assist us in advocating to state leaders and key interest groups
November/December 2011 - Met with members of the Legislative Water Committee and many other legislators as well as state agency personnel, business leaders, the Governor's staff, and other interest groups to discuss the need for water management planning and policy in Alabama. Held meetings for over 25 partner groups in Birmingham and Montgomery to share the strategy and progress being made toward water policy and planning in Alabama.
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Alabama Rivers Alliance
2027 2nd Ave North
Suite A
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
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Silverock Cove Hosts Third Annual “Dock at the Rock” May 19th
May 19, 2012
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Cahaba River Ramble & “C the River” Conservation and Education Event
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge, near the historic town of West Blocton, Alabama.,
June 02, 2012
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Cruisin' on the River Beer, food, tunes and a sunset cruise celebrating Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s 10th Anniversary
Bama Belle Steam Ship Tuscaloosa, AL,
June 06, 2012
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Insight from Cindy Lowry: As Georgia struggles, our most vital resource is at stake
