by Lauren Goldberg, Executive Director
Originally published in Columbia Riverkeeper “Currents” Issue 1, 2024.
Do you dream of finding solutions to the climate crisis? How about slashing greenhouse gas pollution by challenging one of North America’s biggest fuel fuel infrastructure corporations? Columbia Riverkeeper turns your dreams into action—and results.
Our staff includes experts on environmental laws and community engagement. As a supporter, you are an important part of our team working to tackle the climate crisis. Your donations make so many important initiatives possible, building on two decades of victories and movement building.
Thanks to you, Columbia Riverkeeper and partners can:
- Go head-to-head in court with TC Energy, the company behind the Keystone XL pipeline and backer of the GTN Xpress pipeline expansion proposal;
- Support rural communities and file creative legal challenges, including one to prevent a refinery that would become one of Oregon’s largest greenhouse gas polluters;
- Organize people in urban and rural river communities to speak up for salmon, clean water, and a future free of fossil fuels;
- Engage and center affected community members to inspire decisionmakers to take action;
- Challenge polluters, the fossil fuel industry, and the government in court;
- Reveal corporate secrets and pitch hard-hitting stories to regional and national reporters; and
- Advocate and lobby elected officials for clean water, strong salmon runs, and a just transition from fossil fuels.
This issue of Currents brings you the latest on how we rise to the many challenges facing the Columbia, working in solidarity with Tribes and river communities. Together, we’re restoring the river’s iconic salmon, advocating for a clean and just energy future, and inspiring people to make a difference at the most toxic place in America, the Hanford Nuclear Site.
You’ll also get acquainted with one of my heroes: Columbia Riverkeeper Board President Emily Washines. Emily’s vision, creativity, and optimism shine through in her interview with Pultizer-nominated journalist and author Jacqueline Keeler.
For our team, rising to the challenge also means pausing to celebrate victories, to fish and play in the river, and to find peace in the sounds and smells of summer on the Columbia. See you on the river.
With gratitude,
Lauren