I have been drawn to the water for as long as I can remember. When I was just a small child, I remember going out in my dad's boat with my family and experiencing the river firsthand. the warm sun, cool water, beautiful shores, and amazing scenery was something I will never forget. Unfortunately, we as a collective society are growing up in a generation where all that is in danger of disappearing with the advent of major climate change.

According to a study done in 2019, over 2.5 million Minnesotans rely on the great Mississippi River to provide them with water, and the University of Minnesota reports that 60% of the United States' major agricultural exports move through the river out of the Port of South Louisiana. The Mississippi is the lifeblood of the Midwest, and without it millions of people would suffer starvation, disease, and famine. It is absolutely vital we clean, maintain, and prevent further damage done to the Mississippi with filtration systems, river bank clean up, and educating the local populace for many years to come.

In 2018, it was estimated that at least 40% of plastic pollution in the Gulf is due to the Mississippi, which drains from an expansive area of 31 states. This is an incredibly alarming number, considering how many rely on this waterway for food, travel, water, and much more. This number also most likely includes microplastics, which taint the surrounding landscape and wildlife, impacting everything from insects to fish all the way up the chain to humans. Without scientific innovations like filtration systems along the river to remove microplastics, this toxic buildup will continue to kill off native species of fish, wildlife, and even people.

River bank cleaning has been an important part of maintaining the natural beauty of the Mississippi, considering this year's numbers however, the shores are tainted with more than just plastic. Runoff, pet waste, and much more infect the shores of this necessary artery of the state of Minnesota. It has become so tainted, that, in general, it is ill advised to use the river near the Twin Cities for recreation and drinking water. Considering Minnesotans have more river shoreline than the state of California, clean up needs to be much more intensive to allow the use of the river and its shores for recreation and consumption. Toxic chemicals entering your baby's food, your pet's water, and your bathtub are not exactly pleasing to think about.

The Clean Water Act of 1972 was enacted to protect and restore United States waterways, including the Mississippi. Minnesota has been a major vein in the heart of the United States for many years, and with that comes reliance on the river providing for the state. Educating the populace on ways to hold their local governments and businesses responsible for pollution must become a primary concern of the State of Minnesota. More strict standards need to be set to hold these companies, entities, and individuals accountable in order to protect the legacy of the river for generations, and that is done through education and knowledge.

These are just some of the ways proposed to restore, protect, and clean the Mississippi River. By signing this petition, you will be restoring drinking water, recreation, and awe-inspiring beauty to millions of Americans in a 31 state area. Please, do not let our water continue to be spoiled.