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Green Corps Organizer Sam Landenwitsch, second from left, recruited and trained activists to protest a dangerous mercury plant in Morgantown, West Virginia. |
Aaron Viles
Class of ’97
Campaign Director,
Gulf Restoration Network
In response to the disastrous hurricane season of 2005, any organization with the name “Gulf Restoration Network” (GRN) ought to be busy.
After the immediate human suffering was addressed, Aaron Viles worked to continue GRN’s work of restoring the health of the Gulf. His campaign, “Flood Washington, Not Our Coast,” generated over 40,000 comments calling on President Bush to follow through on his pledge to rebuild New Orleans and the coast.
GRN and a coalition of groups made sure that decision-makers were aware that a sustainable coastal wetlands ecosystem is necessary for a secure Gulf restoration. Before the hurricanes, Louisiana was losing a football field’s worth of coastal wetlands every half-hour, jeopardizing spawning grounds for productive fisheries. New research shows that over 200 square miles were destroyed by Katrina and Rita, further exposing coastal residents to the effects of future storms.
Aaron’s work with GRN has helped drive significant changes in the restoration plans for Louisiana’s coastal areas, adding urgency to protection of coastal wetlands.
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Melissa Waage
Class of ’02
Legislative Director,
Center for Biological Diversity
Melissa Waage has represented the Center for Biological Diversity in Washington, D.C., for the last two years. The Tucson-based group has protected 335 species and 43 million acres of habitat in its 16-year history.
The Endangered Species Act (ESA), which has saved species like the bald eagle and the gray wolf, has been on the chopping block in Congress for the past several years. In September 2005, the House narrowly passed a bill spearheaded by Rep. Richard Pombo (Calif.) that would take away vital protections.
Melissa and the Center, along with allied organizations, fought to stop a companion bill in the Senate. Activists spoke to their senators, and advocates placed more than 100 newspaper editorials in favor of protecting the ESA. Ultimately, the efforts of ESA supporters held off the bill in 2006. The threats aren’t gone, but now Melissa hopes not only to protect, but also to strengthen the ESA in the new Congress.
I thank you for your support, which has made it possible to connect another team of future environmental leaders with careers that make a difference for all of us. I look forward to reporting to you with news of more young leaders.
Sincerely,
Naomi Roth
Executive Director |
