Target: Tom Vilsack, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Goal: Mitigate agricultural runoff polluting the Missouri River.
The Missouri River, a vital waterway coursing through multiple states, faces an alarming threat from uncontrolled agricultural runoff. This unchecked pollution, laden with harmful chemicals and nutrients, is endangering the health of this mighty river and its surrounding ecosystems.
Over time, agricultural runoff, comprising pesticides, fertilizers, and sediments, has increasingly contaminated the Missouri River. This contamination fuels algal blooms, disrupts aquatic habitats, and poses significant risks to human health. The cumulative impact of agricultural runoff is jeopardizing the river’s biodiversity, making water unsafe for recreation, and undermining the livelihoods of communities dependent on this water source.
Despite the growing evidence of these grave consequences, current regulations are insufficient to curb agricultural runoff effectively. The lack of stringent oversight allows industrial agriculture to continue practices that harm the Missouri River and compromise its long-term sustainability.
Sign the petition below to demand that the EPA and USDA take immediate action by implementing and enforcing stricter regulations on agricultural practices to safeguard the Missouri River from further pollution.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
The Missouri River, a vital artery coursing through numerous states, is under grave threat due to the unchecked pollution from agricultural runoff. The consequences of this pollution are far-reaching, impacting ecosystems, water quality, and human health.
It is imperative that you, as responsible agencies, take robust action to mitigate this crisis. We implore you to implement and rigorously enforce stricter regulations on agricultural practices to protect the Missouri River from further contamination. The health of this essential waterway, its diverse ecosystems, and the well-being of communities along its banks depend on your decisive intervention.
Stricter regulations are not merely a necessity; they are an ethical obligation to preserve the Missouri River’s integrity for current and future generations.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Cmichel67
162 Signatures