Clean Water Champions Honored at Richmond Gathering
(RICHMOND, VA)—This evening, the Choose Clean Water Coalition honored Congressman A. Donald McEachin and Hope Cupit of the Southeast Rural Community Assistance Project as Clean Water Champions. The award is presented to individuals who exemplify the values of the Coalition, are a true champion for clean water, and demonstrate a commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice. McEachin and Cupit were honored at the annual Choose Clean Water Conference, with more than 200 clean water advocates from throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed in attendance.
"We're thrilled to honor Congressman McEachin and Hope Cupit as our 2022 Clean Water Champions," said Kristin Reilly, Director of the Choose Clean Water Coalition. "The efficacy and influence of our Coalition of more than 270 nonprofit organizations is only as strong as the individuals fighting for clean water. Both Congressman McEachin and Hope are leaders in their communities to protect and restore the rivers and streams that feed the Chesapeake Bay. Congressman McEachin is a critical ally in Congress, serving as a leader for clean water policies and effectively advocating for critical investments in conservation programs. Congressman McEachin also deserves this recognition for his consistent leadership on environmental justice, including serving as a lead sponsor for the Environmental Justice for All Act."
In response, Congressman McEachin said, "I thank the Choose Clean Water Coalition for honoring me with this recognition. The Chesapeake Bay and its rivers and streams are vital to the strength of our Commonwealth, providing jobs, transportation, food, and tourism dollars for many communities. Since my time in the Virginia Senate and now in Congress, I have fought to clean up and protect our waterways, but there is still more that must be done. We must safeguard the progress we have made while addressing environmental injustices and dismantling long-standing inequities that disproportionately harm low-income and minority communities. I thank the Coalition for uniting the NGO community throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and look forward to continuing our work with the Coalition's 270 member organizations to reach our collective clean water goals."
Within the Coalition's membership, Cupit is a recognized leader. "Whether supporting advocacy efforts on state and federal policy, providing valuable guidance in our strategic planning, or serving as a leader in our Young Professionals of Color Mentorship Program, Hope exemplifies the very best of the Coalition," said Reilly. "With individuals like Hope in the Coalition, I'm confident we will meet our clean water goals not only in Virginia, but throughout the entire Chesapeake Bay watershed."
Said Cupit, "I am so honored by this recognition. The Choose Clean Water Coalition is stalwart in its mission and is a powerful convener for the Chesapeake Bay's clean water community. I am very grateful to be part of this community and work for clean water because water is life! More than ever, we need to free our rivers and streams from pollutants that endanger the lives of humans and wildlife, so that our waterways are safe to drink, fish, and enjoy recreational activities. One of our most precious resources, it is my dream to leave a legacy of clean water to future generations and I look forward to working alongside the Coalition to restore and protect our water."
Gathering in Richmond for the first time, the 12th annual Choose Clean Water Conference provides a two-day forum for participants to learn about the most important and up-to-date Chesapeake restoration issues, network with fellow Chesapeake Bay supporters and activists, develop strategies to advance federal, regional and local restoration goals, and learn from successes. Conference attendees include individuals from local, state, and national nonprofits, elected officials, government agencies, and businesses to discuss ways these different sectors can work together toward our collective goal—clean water.
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Media Contact:
Drew Robinson
443-927-8049
RobinsonAQ@nwf.org
