What We Do

Focus areas:

The American Rivers Action Fund is the only organization focused on the politics of advancing strong river and water policy.

We are confronting our nation’s water crisis by:

  • Expanding advocacy to state and local governments by embedding lobbyists into our regional teams, so we can advance bold policy solutions at every level of government.

  • Advancing ballot and bond measures to engage voters, build public demand for action, and drive solutions for clean water.

  • Launching a Congressional River Caucus to cultivate and support decision-makers to become river champions and legislation to address the water crisis.

  • Deploying strategic communications based on public opinion research and traditional polling techniques, and sharing messaging resources and insights that illustrate how water issues are relevant to every voter. Read more at Messaging and Research landing page.

Accomplishments:

Proposition JJ: protecting Colorado’s water resources

In 2015, American Rivers was integral and instrumental in developing Colorado’s first State Water Plan. We pursued the development of the Plan in a comprehensive, broadly-based approach that prioritized the protection of Colorado’s rivers while also recognizing the pressures and needs of a thriving, growing state.

In 2019, Colorado voters passed Proposition DD, which legalized and taxed sports betting and dedicated tax revenues to regulate sports betting, provide gambling addiction services, and conserve and protect Colorado’s water resources.

Tax revenue from sports betting has proven to be vital in addressing Colorado’s water future, funding crucial initiatives such as water conservation, infrastructure improvements, and sustainable water management. But Proposition DD limited the amount of tax revenues collected from sports betting to $29 million per year — a limit that was exceeded in 2024 and would be every year in the future. To date, Proposition DD has earned more than $80 million for water projects across the state, and with the passage of JJ that number will grow even more. The fund “supports water projects across the state, including water storage and supply, agricultural projects, and watershed health and recreation projects.”

In November 2024, Proposition JJ passed with more than 76% approval and strong bi-partisan support, winning in 63 of the 64 counties in Colorado, and garnering more votes than any other individual ballot issue presented on the November ballot. American Rivers Action Fund also led the creation of three TV commercials used to support pubic engagement around JJ – you can see one of those commercials below.