51 breweries thank Senators Wyden and Merkley for introducing the River Democracy Act
Portland, OR (June 15, 2021) – Fifty-one breweries across the state of Oregon today sent a letter to Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, thanking them for introducing the River Democracy Act (S.192), legislation that will protect roughly 4,700 miles of rivers as wild and scenic.
The letter states,
“We the undersigned business owners applaud the introduction of the River Democracy Act of 2021 and thank you for your leadership to protect the Oregon rivers and waterways that provide our great state with clean drinking water, amazing recreation opportunities, and critical habitat for wildlife.”
The legislation was a direct result of a nomination process where Oregonians, including brewery owners, recommended their favorite rivers for permanent protection. Senator Wyden’s office received over 15,000 nominations for thousands of miles of rivers from residents across the state, showing both the key role these rivers play in our communities and the strong local support for protecting them for the benefit of future generations.
Jon Conner, owner of Conner Fields Brewing in Jackson County, said: “The primary ingredient in beer is water and the water we use is a product of the land it flows through. Being a rural brewer who relies on an aquifer source, I consider water a beer’s terroir. Oregon craft brewers rely on clean water to make great beer and that’s why I’m joining the many craft breweries across the state asking for Congress to pass Wyden’s Wild and Scenic Rivers bill to protect these important watersheds.”
A recent poll found that 87% of likely voters in Oregon supported additional wild and scenic river designations, including 75% of Republican voters. Additionally, 80% said that they would “like to see their representatives in Congress take action to support relevant legislation that strengthens the defense of your state’s rivers and land areas from potentially harmful industrialization and pollution.”
“The waterways in the Northwest are vital to quality beer,” said Colin Rath of Migration Brewing Co. in Portland. “Water is essentially the soul of our product. As brewers, we find it important to safeguard our waterways to protect the life source of our industry which is why brewers and beer lovers alike are calling for the passage of the River Democracy Act.”
The letter highlights how preserving Oregon’s rivers and the outdoor recreation and tourism industries go hand-in-hand:
“Craft brewing is one of Oregon’s great industries. According to the Oregon Brewers Guild, each year, the Oregon brewing industry supports more than 31,000 jobs directly and indirectly, and contributes $4.49 billion to the state’s economy… The numbers don’t lie, Oregon craft brewing companies lead the nation and that’s in part because we have a vital and healthy place to produce our beer. People choose to live in Oregon for the natural beauty of our rivers and outdoor spaces, and many build their livelihoods around the thriving beer industry.”
Currently, only two percent (2,173 miles) of the state’s 110,000 miles of rivers are protected as wild and scenic.
“A main ingredient to our award-winning craft beer is the clean, clear water that flows out of Oregon’s rivers. That is why we embrace Senator Wyden’s forward-thinking plan to forever safeguard key waterways across the state,” said Nikos Ridge and Jamie Floyd, co-owners of Ninkasi Brewing Company located in Eugene.
The River Democracy Act of 2021 is a testament to Oregonians’ commitment to conservation, healthy living, and outdoor recreation.
“Protecting clean drinking water, public lands recreation, and wildlife habitat are values Deschutes Brewery supports. We hope to see the River Democracy Act passed in this Congress,” added Michael LaLonde from Deschutes Brewery in Bend.
The 51 breweries are thanking Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley for their leadership in seeking extensive public input and introducing the River Democracy Act and urge Congress to move and pass this important legislation.
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