Bob Wendelgass - President and CEO

We are angry and we are anguished, yet again. We are anguished because the unjust killing of George Floyd has again laid bare the oppression and racism that lead to daily harassment, injury, and death of our black and brown neighbors. We are angry because people who are crying out for justice and peacefully demanding accountability have been met with violence and arrest across the nation, and the President is threatening to deploy the military on the streets of our cities.

I hope that you and your family are well and that you are staying healthy. We understand the challenges we're all facing right now while dealing the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis. And we know that has to come first.

As I look back on 2019, there are plenty of times that it would have been easy to get frustrated, throw my hands up, and lose hope. But I didn't -- and Clean Water members and supporters had a lot to do with that.

I think I can speak for all of us here at Clean Water Action when I say our members and supporters give us hope and keep us going.

Why do so many Members of Congress stand by – or, even worse, pile on – whenever the Trump Administration advances another one of its reckless anti-environment giveaways to big polluters?

Maybe it’s because things have been systematically rigged to boost the influence wielded by big polluters and other corporate special interests. When people like you who care about clean water are effectively shut out – or worse, ignored by those elected to represent us – bad things can happen.

Clean Water members and activists are part of a big story. It's a story that special interests and their allies in Congress and the White House don’t want to hear.

As I look back on 2018, one thing becomes apparent -- Clean Water members and supporters matter.

Tuesday was a good day for clean water!

Thanks to clean water members and clean water voters we helped elect a pro-environment majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. We also elected governors and state legislators across the country who will focus on protecting clean water and healthy communities. We’re heading into 2019 with a lot of momentum. Check out all our wins here.

Scott Pruitt is playing games with streams, wetlands, and drinking water while he works on proposing a new rule that will shrink the number of streams and wetlands protected under the Clean Water Act. He practically dared us to sue EPA.

Clean Water members and activists were one of the bright spots of 2017. Throughout the year member and activists like you sent messages, mailed letters, signed postcards, and made phone calls. You attended rallies and town hall events. You got involved and you spoke loud and clear. 

This week we gather with family and friends to give thanks and reflect on the past year. Though the past few weeks have been tough, as I think about 2016 and look forward to 2017, I am full of gratitude for Clean Water Action members.