Federal bill could pull Mississippi River off endangered waterways list

ST. LOUIS – A federal invoice may assist pull the Mississippi River off a listing of endangered waterways.

The group American Rivers mentioned the Mississippi is quantity six on its record of ten endangered rivers. They mentioned there may be an excessive amount of air pollution and never sufficient wildlife habitat. There’s already a invoice in Congress to restore the river and defend the individuals residing close by.

In June 2021, Democratic U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum from Minnesota launched the invoice for the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative. The proposal requires the restore of the river to guard individuals from flooding and air pollution. It additionally requires enhancing wildlife habitats and stopping the expansion of invasive species. Democratic U.S. Rep Cori Bush from Missouri is a invoice co-sponsor. Mayors from a number of Missouri cities together with St. Louis and former mayors from St. Joseph and Cape Girardeau endorsed the proposal.

There was no motion on the invoice since its introduction. Nonetheless, the Environmental Safety Company lists waterway safety and restoration in its strategic plan for 2022-2026.