TheTrump administration’s sweeping cuts to the federal climate disaster agency – and the full-throttle deregulation offossil fuelsandwater-guzzling datacentres– could prove catastrophic for America’s endangered rivers, threatening the food, water and livelihoods of millions of people, according to a new report.American Rivers’ annual most-endangered rivers list lays bare a myriad of human-made threats including floods, drought and otherextreme weatherevents driven by theclimate crisis, as well as industrial pollution and poor river management – all of which Trump’s regulatory rollbacks will almost inevitably make worse.In most danger is the great Mississippi, spanning 10 states from the headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. The 2,320-mile-long snaking river is the primary source of drinking water for more than 50 municipalities. Longstanding threats to the Mississippi River include chemical runoff that has led to frequent toxic algae outbreaks and hypoxic dead zones in the Gulf of Mexico, sea level rise that is hastening wetland loss andsaltwater intrusion, as well as intermittent droughts.Now, hundreds of layoffs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (Fema) and calls by Trump toabolish the entire agencyand the National Flood Insurance Program further threaten the long-term survival of the Mississippi River and its 30m-acre floodplain that provides vital habitat for almost 900 species of fish and wildlife, according toAmerican Rivers’ 40th annual endangered rivers list.Gutting Fema also threatens the recovery of several rivers in the southern Appalachia region that were severely damaged by record rainfall and 100mph winds unleashed byHurricane Helene, the category 4 storm that killed at least 220 people in September.Helene uprooted tens of thousands of treesand caused theworst flooding in southern Appalachia’s modernhistory, which destroyed wastewater infrastructure, sent debris and pollution into waterways, reshaped entire river valleys and obliterated sensitive fish and wildlife habitat. At least 44 dams in the French Broad watershed – including the Nolichucky, Watauga and Pigeon rivers – failed or were severely damaged. Collectively, the rivers of southern Appalachia rank third in the 2025 endangered rivers list.Large-scale engineering and restoration work is required to safeguard the region’s rivers from further erosion and property losses in future storms – which are increasingly erratic and intense thanks to the climate crisis.“Without strong federal leadership in flood-risk management, communities along the Mississippi River – and across the country – will face even greater threats from worsening floods,” said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers. “Now is the time to reinforce our national commitment to flood-risk reduction, not walk away from it.”On top of coordinating emergency response and reconstruction after major climate and natural disasters, Fema also helps states and communities prepare for and recover from flood damage by developing building standards, providing homeowner flood insurance and relocating flood-prone homes to higher ground. Trump wants to dismantle Fema, yet every $1 spent on flood mitigation yields $7 in benefits.“Our rivers are in a sensitive state and communities are still at risk … We must protect homes and businesses from crumbling, unsafe dams,” said Erin McCombs, south-east conservation director for AmericanRivers. “Funding dam removal and river restoration is urgent to ensure public safety before the next storm.”InVirginia, the unchecked proliferation of datacentres is compounding local water shortages and endangering the Rappahannock River, a 195-mile waterway stretching from the Blue Ridge Mountains to Chesapeake Bay, ranked sixth in this year’s endangered rivers list.View image in fullscreenThe Rappahannock River, on the outskirts of Remington, Virginia, in 2018.Photograph: The Washington Post/Getty ImagesVirginia is currently the world’s largest hub of datacentres, a thirsty industry being heavily incentivized by the Trump administration throughregulatory rollbacks and subsidies that will also benefit fossil gas– another heavy water user and polluting industry. Adding to Virginia’s so-called“Datacentre Alley”would increase the pressure on the Rappahannock River – already under pressure from population growth and overuse due to declining groundwater levels exacerbated by drought.skip past newsletter promotionSign up toDown to EarthFree weekly newsletterThe planet's most important stories. Get all the week's environment news - the good, the bad and the essentialEnter your email addressSign upPrivacy Notice:Newsletters may contain info about charities, online ads, and content funded by outside parties. For more information see ourPrivacy Policy. We use Google reCaptcha to protect our website and the GooglePrivacy PolicyandTerms of Serviceapply.after newsletter promotionTrump also hopes to revive coal, among the dirtiest and least economically sound fossil fuels, and which has caused major damage to the Cherry River, part of the Gauley River watershed in neighboring West Virginia – 10th in this year’s rankings. A woeful lack of enforcement has enabled a strip mining company to repeatedly violate water pollution mine cleanup standards, which Trump wants to gut further, according to the American Rivers report. The mining company, which was being sued for alleged dumping of dangerous levels of heavy metals and sludge into the Cherry River,filed for bankruptcy in February.David Moryc, senior director of river protection for American Rivers, said: “Local communities are paying the price for mining practices that are flouting basic safeguards to protect West Virginians and the economically vital Gauley River. This is a severe abuse of the public trust.”Last week, Trump signed four executive orders intended to resurrect the coal industry, which climate scientists and public health experts have long warned must be phased out. He’s also trying to make oil and gas expansion easier, in what critics have condemned as a quid pro quo.According to one analysis, big oil spent $445m throughout the last election cycle to influence Trump and Congress – including pouring $96m into Trump’s re-election campaign and affiliated political action committees.“Our water wealth is one of our greatest assets as a nation,” said Tom Kiernan, president and CEO of American Rivers. “But pollution and extreme weather are putting our rivers, clean water and public safety at risk. When our rivers are sick, our own health and prosperity suffers.”This year’s other endangered waterways that could fare even worse thanks to Trump’s pro-industry, anti-environment agenda are the Tijuana River in California and Mexico, the Passaic River inNew Jersey, the lower Rio Grande in Texas, the Susitna River in Alaska, the Calcasieu River in Louisiana and the Clearwater River basin in Idaho.This article was amended on 17 April 2025 to clarify that the Susitna River is in Alaska, notArkansas.
The great Mississippi tops list of most endangered rivers amid fears over Trump rollbacks
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Mississippi River Named Most Endangered as Regulatory Rollbacks Raise Environmental Concerns"
The Guardian
6.8
TruthLens AI Summary
A recent report by American Rivers highlights the dire situation of America's rivers, with the Mississippi River topping the list of most endangered waterways. The report attributes this precarious state to the Trump administration's drastic cuts to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and widespread deregulation in fossil fuel industries. These actions are expected to exacerbate existing threats such as floods, droughts, and pollution, further endangering the ecological health of the Mississippi, which is a crucial water source for over 50 municipalities. The river faces longstanding issues including chemical runoff that contributes to toxic algae blooms and hypoxic zones in the Gulf of Mexico, as well as challenges posed by sea level rise and intermittent droughts. The report warns that the potential dismantling of FEMA and the National Flood Insurance Program could severely jeopardize the Mississippi River's floodplain, which is essential for the habitat of nearly 900 species of fish and wildlife.
The report also sheds light on other endangered rivers across the United States, particularly in southern Appalachia, which suffered severe damage from Hurricane Helene. The storm caused extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and compromised critical infrastructure. The rivers in this region rank third on the endangered list and require significant restoration efforts to prevent future erosion and damage from increasingly severe weather events. Additionally, the unchecked growth of data centers in Virginia is placing further strain on the Rappahannock River, which is already facing challenges from population growth and drought. The report emphasizes the urgent need for federal leadership in flood-risk management and environmental protection to safeguard these vital waterways. American Rivers calls for immediate action to maintain river health and public safety, warning that neglecting these issues will have detrimental effects on communities and ecosystems nationwide.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights the alarming state of the Mississippi River, emphasizing the threats posed by climate change and regulatory rollbacks during the Trump administration. It aims to draw attention to the precarious environmental situation and the potential consequences for millions of people dependent on this vital waterway. The report from American Rivers serves as a call to action, underlining the urgent need for sustainable practices and government accountability.
Environmental Concerns and Human Impact
The article outlines various human-induced threats to the Mississippi River, including chemical runoff, pollution, and climate-driven events like droughts and floods. The assertion that the Trump administration's regulatory rollbacks exacerbate these issues seeks to evoke a sense of urgency and concern among readers. By detailing the river's importance as a drinking water source and its role in supporting diverse ecosystems, the article aims to instill a sense of responsibility among the public regarding environmental stewardship.
Political Context and Accountability
By linking the environmental crisis to the Trump administration's policies, the article paints a broader picture of political negligence. This connection serves to mobilize public opinion against perceived inaction or harmful policies that threaten natural resources. The mention of FEMA layoffs and calls to abolish key programs underline the potential long-term consequences of such political decisions, prompting readers to consider the implications of governance on environmental health.
Public Perception and Mobilization
The article likely aims to resonate with environmental advocates, those concerned about climate change, and communities reliant on the Mississippi River. By framing the narrative in a way that highlights the dire consequences of inaction, it seeks to galvanize support for conservation initiatives and policies aimed at protecting endangered rivers. This approach may foster a sense of community among those who prioritize environmental issues.
Economic and Political Implications
Potential repercussions on the economy and political landscape are significant. Public awareness of environmental issues can influence policy decisions and even market dynamics, particularly for industries reliant on natural resources. Companies in sectors like agriculture, tourism, and real estate may find themselves under increased scrutiny, impacting stock performance and investment strategies.
Global Context and Relevance
The article, while focused on a specific river in the United States, taps into a global narrative about climate change and environmental degradation. As issues of sustainability gain prominence worldwide, the discussion around the Mississippi River can serve as a microcosm of larger trends affecting natural resources globally.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no clear indication that artificial intelligence was used in the writing of this article. However, if AI tools were employed, it might have influenced the tone and structure, aiming for clarity and engagement with the audience. The language used could potentially guide readers' perceptions by emphasizing urgency and responsibility. In summary, the article presents a compelling case about the endangered state of the Mississippi River while linking it to broader political and environmental themes. The reliability of the information seems grounded in credible reporting from American Rivers, though the framing may reflect a particular viewpoint aimed at mobilizing public action. This focus on environmental advocacy, combined with political critique, shapes the overall narrative in a way that seeks to engage and inform the audience about pressing issues.