The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency states that nearly 860 billion gallons of sewage spills into our waterways annually. Yuck.

And fortunately, as you may already know, American Rivers is leading the fight for right-to-know legislation that would notify the public of sewage spills. Phew.

But our work isn’t done.

We need your help today to expose “Flushie’s Summer Vacation!” and his “Sewage Happens” message to a larger audience…a MUCH larger audience — like the 70 million daily YouTube viewers.

Help us send Flushie up the YouTube food chain. Our goal is for Flushie to appear on the front page as a featured video, ensuring massive viewing success.

How do we do that? Well, one way we can better position Flushie to be picked up on YouTube’s front page is to ask you to:

1. Go to Flushie’s home on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcpq506XCIg

2. Save Flushie’s Summer Vacation! as one of your “Favorite” videos

3. Rate Flushie’s Summer Vacation! now (be sure to give it a five-star rating too!)

Please, take action today to help us make Flushie’s next vacation spot the YouTube front page. Visit Flushie on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcpq506XCIg and send him on his way!

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers water pollution water pollution sewage epa youtube flushie video

American Freedom Campaign: Tell your Senators to confirm an attorney general who will defend the Constitution.
Tell Senate: No more Albertos!

American Rivers: RiverAlert: Tell the Army Corps to Close Hurricane Highway
Urge the Corps to properly close the MRGO. Comments are due Tuesday, September 4, so please act today!

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): California: Urge Governor to Sign Pet Protective Order Bill
California Pet Protection Bill Now Before Governator! CA SB 353, a bill that will allow courts to include animals in restraining orders against batterers, has passed both houses of the Legislature.

Audubon: Last Wild Whooping Cranes Threatened
Tell the Army Corps of Engineers to put this development project on hold until proper environmental review can be conducted.

Audubon: Close the ‘Hurricane Highway’ in New Orleans
Let the Army Corps of Engineers know why restoring coastal wetlands is both good environmental policy and good for New Orleans.

Audubon: Make Environmental Education a National Priority
Let your senators and representative know why restoring environmental education to our schools is important to YOU.

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS): Wendy’s Needs to Warm up to Animal Welfare
Please ask Wendy’s CEO Kerrii Anderson to follow in Burger King’s footsteps and start moving away from eggs from caged hens.

MoveOn.org: Keep Your Katrina Promises
Add your name to the petition telling Congress that two years is too long and that they must pass the Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Boycott for Bunnies! Tell PetSmart to Stop Exploiting Rabbits
Greedy PetSmart recently went back on its years-old “promise” not to sell rabbits in its stores.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Tell Britain to Stop Supporting Canadian Bear Slaughter
PETA is calling on Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Charles, and the British Ministry of Defence (MoD) to stop using real bearskins to make headpieces for the Five Guards’ Regiments.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Prolonged, Sadistic Killing of Pet Pig Must Not Go Unpunished!
In order to ensure a small measure of justice for Fred—as well as uphold Alabama’s cruelty laws—please call on the following officials to investigate the depraved and prolonged killing of this animal.

The Wilderness Society: Help plan the future of the Lake Umbagog Refuge!
Please take a moment to tell the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service that the Lake Umbagog Refuge should be expanded to ensure that this ecosystem remains wild for generations to come.

Carnivals

Carnival of Hurricane Relief #103 (August 30, 2007 @ Kicking Over My Traces)

Newsletters

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA): eNews Alert: August 31, 2007
ASPCA To Evaluate Pit Bulls Seized from Vick’s Property/Ringling Bros. On Trial

The Animals Voice: eNews: August 30, 2007
AnimalsVoice.com is the premiere online resource for animal rights and its defenders.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): Weekly eNews: August 30, 2007
PETA E-News: Kevin Nealon Cracks Us Up! See Why

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site moveon.org move on hurricane katrina hurricane katrina natural disaster nola new orleans louisiana gulf coast The Wilderness Society conservation wildlife public land Lake Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge Maine New Hampshire fws Fish and Wildlife Service American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals ASPCA news in the news newsletter California animal abuse cruelty to animals animal cruelty domestic violence American Freedom Campaign alberto gonzalez civil liberties constitution Audubon Whooping Cranes Army Corps of Engineers hurricane highway mrgo Mississippi River Gulf Outlet education environmental education the No Child Left Inside Act of 2007 american rivers water Humane Society of the United States HSUS Wendy’s eggs battery hens People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals peta petsmart rabbits pet companion animal bears bearskin fur britain england pig fred fred the pig hunting alabama the animals voice carnivals

International Fund for Horses: Wag a Straw: HR 503 and S 311
Take Action Today Against Horse Slaughter! Wag a Straw at Congress Asking Them to Swiftly Pass The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act

The Wilderness Society: Off-road vehicles threaten largest recommended wilderness in Lower 48
Send the Forest Service your letter today to help protect the Salmon-Challis forest and its wildlands, sensitive ecosystems and wildlife habitat, and quiet recreation opportunities from unmanaged dirt bikes, ATVs, and other off-road vehicles.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA): Support the Bear Protection Act
End the Illegal Trade in Bear Bile.

World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA): Help WSPA end cruel contest in Taiwan
At Taiwan’s “Pigs of God” contest hundreds of pigs that have been force-fed to increase their weight to grotesque proportions are slaughtered while fully conscious as part of this so-called “festival”.

Campaign Updates, Press Releases, etc.

The Petition Site: The Wolf and the Donkey, Update
End their misery – Free this wolf and donkey in Albania

Carnivals

Carnival of Hurricane Relief #102 (August 23, 2007 @ Dark Spark)

Small Actions to Change the World #3 (August 22, 2007 @ SustainaBee)

Newsletters

American Rivers: The Current: August 2007
A stead stream of river news…

The Animals Voice weekly eNewsletter, August 23, 2007
AnimalsVoice.com is the premiere online resource for animal rights and its defenders.

Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC): NRDC Online, August 2007
One Last Trip to the Beach? Check Here First.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): PETA2 eNews, August 23, 2007
peta2: Cobra Starship Interviews Fall Out Boy!

Petitions

Save Vick’s Dogs

Sign Petition to Support Bill C-50 and Stop Animal Cruelty In Canada

DEAR MICROSOFT: CHANGE THE MARGINS

Your Daily Click-Through Reminders

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Tagged: animals animal rights animal welfare environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist green nature action alerts activism link dump link roundup link farm link sanctuary click through sites click to donate care2 the animal rescue site the rainforest site the animals voice news is the news newsletter International Fund for Horses horses horse meat horse slaughter American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act american rivers rivers water Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC World Society for the Protection of Animals wspa Taiwan pigs of god contest bears bear bile Bear Protection Act wildlife conservation People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals peta peta2 the wilderness society ovrs off-road vehicles idaho Salmon-Challis National Forest carnivals animal abuse animal cruelty cruelty to animals petitions the petition site canada michael vick dog canine dogfighting animal fighting blood sports pet companion animal hsus humane society of the united states microsoft paper

Act Now to Protect the Wild and Wonderful Blackwater River

The Blackwater River is threatened by plans to transform the historic and scenic Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail into a wide road for logging trucks. Act now to tell the Forest Service that you want to see this crown jewel protected for people and wildlife.

Comments are due Monday, July 23, so please act today at www.AmericanRivers.org/alert921.

You can learn more at www.saveblackwater.org.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers Blackwater River logging wildlife conservation water Blackwater Canyon Rail Trail road logging road

Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right to Know Act

When it comes to sewage pollution, what you don’t know can hurt you. Every year, more than 850 billion gallons of raw or partially-treated sewage is dumped into the waters where we fish, swim and play. As a result, millions of people become ill each year from unnecessary contact with disease causing pathogens found in sewage.

Astonishingly, there is no nationwide requirement for sewage treatment plants to notify the public when these sewage spills and overflows occur, placing people and their families at risk. Knowledge is a powerful first line of defense, and we all deserve to know when our favorite streams and rivers are unfit for playing and paddling.

You can help fix this problem by asking Congress to pass legislation that requires plant operators to notify the public of sewage spills and overflows. Go to www.AmericanRivers.org/alert919 and urge your Representative to cosponsor the Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right to Know Act today.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers water pollution water pollution sewage sewage spills raw sewage public health capitalism Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right to Know Act

Help the Upper Delaware — one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers

A month ago, we released America’s Most Endangered Rivers of 2007 — ten rivers at a crossroads this year. The Upper Delaware River, number four on this list, is now at the tipping point. Take action today to make sure the right decision is made for this river and the communities that depend on it.

The Upper Delaware is threatened by a massive power line. By preliminarily designating the Upper Delaware River Valley as a transmission corridor, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) just made it easier for New York Regional Interconnect, Inc. to build this power line. If built, the power line would scar this scenic gem — one of America’s first Wild and Scenic Rivers — that generates vital economic revenue through tourism and recreation.

Tell the DOE that Wild and Scenic Rivers like the Upper Delaware River should not be used as transmission corridors — it is a use that is completely at odds with the rivers’ protected status and is not in the best interest of the people who depend upon these rivers for revenue, recreation and relaxation.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers Upper Delaware River river conservation power line energy threatened U.S. Department of Energy DOE New York Regional Interconnect, Inc.

Mr. Buffett, tear down those dams

Warren Buffett is a world famous investor, businessman and philanthropist. He now has the opportunity to be known also as a world famous river hero. Help us persuade Mr. Buffett to do the right thing for the Oregon and California communities along the Klamath River by removing his company’s four harmful dams and restoring legendary runs of salmon and steelhead.

Warren Buffett heads the investment firm Berkshire Hathaway. Its subsidiary — PacifiCorp — owns and operates the Klamath dams. On May 5th, Berkshire Hathaway is holding a shareholders meeting in Omaha, Nebraska. This is a perfect occasion to send the message that it’s time to remove the Klamath dams, which produce very little power but wreak havoc on the river’s health, its salmon runs and families who rely on fishing for their livelihood.

By removing the dams and investing in green energy sources like wind, solar and other renewables, PacifiCorp can power a brighter future for the entire Klamath basin, one that will allow the river and local communities to thrive.

One man has the power to make this happen. Join us in urging Warren Buffett to make a wise investment by removing the Klamath dams. The Berkshire Hathaway shareholders meeting is Saturday, May 5th, so please go to www.AmericanRivers.org/alert913 and act today!

Tiny Violin alert: If you use the sample letter provided by American Rivers, be sure to edit out all that junk about how the Klamath dams cause suffering to “families that depend on the salmon for their livelihoods.” Boo. Hoo.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers water dam warren buffett Klamath River salmon steelhead power energy

Save the Clean Water Act!

The fundamental safeguards for clean and healthy water in our streams, rivers and lakes are in jeopardy. A confusing 2006 Supreme Court decision concerning the Clean Water Act has left the fate of 60 percent of the nation’s stream miles in legal limbo. As expected, polluters are now flooding the courts with appeals to raze small streams and wetlands.

Congress can resolve this problem by passing legislation to restore full federal protection for all our waters. Help us ensure that all of our nation’s waters are protected under the Clean Water Act. Got to www.AmericanRivers.org/Alert909 and urge your representative to co-sponsor the Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2007 today.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers water pollution clean water act congress 110th congress

Help Save the Upper Yellowstone River!

Last year’s America’s Most Endangered Rivers report detailed how rampant development in the Upper Yellowstone River’s floodplain has resulted in a dramatic increase in bank stabilization and flood control projects. While intended to protect homes and other buildings from flooding and erosion, these projects have actually caused substantial harm to this majestic river, while providing homeowners with a false sense of security.

Thanks in part to public pressure from river lovers all over America, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is finally moving ahead with long-awaited plans to develop a watershed-level management plan for the Upper Yellowstone River. Now we need to keep the heat on to make sure that the Corps’ plan will protect people and the river by curtailing harmful floodplain development. Tell the Corps to protect people and one of Montana’s — and America’s — last, best rivers. Comments are due this Sunday, April 22, 2007, so please act today.

Tiny Violin alert: If you use the sample letter provided by American Rivers, be sure to edit out any references to how development will affect fishermen’s “enjoyment” of the Upper Yellowstone River.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers Upper Yellowstone River rivers yellowstone development wildlife conservation

Today is World Water Day. And in honor of American Rivers’ 34th birthday (March 24), we invite you to join us in celebrating the importance of healthy rivers and clean drinking water in our lives!

Photo via emarquetti

The theme of World Water Day 2007 is “Coping with Scarcity,” an issue that hits particularly close to home. America’s demand for water is outpacing supply across the country — not just in the arid West. Here are some things YOU can do to show appreciation for healthy rivers and to help conserve water:

1. You can’t appreciate what you don’t know. Find out where your community gets its drinking water by visiting cfpub.epa.gov/surf/locate/map2.cfm.

2. Test your WaterSense. Take an interactive online quiz at www.epa.gov/watersense/quiz/game.html. Help Hydro (the water efficiency hero) avoid water-wasting monsters.

3. Every drop counts. Americans now use an average of 100 gallons of water each day — enough to fill 1,600 drinking glasses. By using water more efficiently, you can help preserve water supplies for future generations, save money, and ensure enough water for healthy rivers. Learn ways to conserve water at home by visiting www.AmericanRivers.org/Conserve.

While personal water conservation is part of the solution, communities must also take leadership. With global warming, population growth, urban sprawl, and intensive agricultural use, water scarcity forces creative thinking for river-friendly solutions. In response to these growing challenges, American Rivers recently released a set of Water Supply Principles (www.AmericanRivers.org/watersupplyprinciples) to help guide decisionmakers toward water supply projects that meet community demand and protect river health.

Cheers to healthy rivers, healthy communities!

Sincerely,

Rebecca R. Wodder
President

To contact American Rivers, email us at outreach [at] americanrivers.org.

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Tagged: environment environmental environmentalism environmentalist action alerts american rivers water conservation world water day