Don Pongrace Quoted in National Geographic on Gila River Diversion Plan
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National Geographic has quoted Akin Gump partner Donald Pongrace, head of the firm’s American Indian law and policy practice, in the article “These are the most endangered U.S. rivers,” which looks at a new report from the conservation group American Rivers on the 10 most endangered rivers in the United States.
For the past 34 years, the article reports, American Rivers has fought to protect major rivers from threats like dam construction, pollution and climate change. Topping the list this year is New Mexico’s Gila River, which it says is negatively impacted by diminishing snow pack. Advocates say plans to divert significant portions of the river, which is seen as both a scenic natural sanctuary and a historic water source, would exacerbate climate change impacts.
Pongrace, who has represented the Gila Indian River Community on water issues since 1997, commented, “The community has a cultural and spiritual connection to the river. The diversion planned for New Mexico would significantly impact water availability for native Gila communities downstream in Arizona.”
