FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 2, 2010

***Media Advisory***

Landmark Coalition to Take Action on Freshwater Crisis

WASHINGTON – An unprecedented alliance between leading businesses, environmental NGOs and
farmers is calling for major changes to how we use and consume water in order to avert a looming
freshwater crisis. The coalition will issue a landmark Call to Action in Washington, D.C., on September 15
at an event moderated by Peabody Award winning host of PBS’ Washington Week, Gwen Ifill.

“Charting New Waters: A Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater Challenges,” is the culmination of an
intensive two-year collaboration to explore solutions to America’s domestic freshwater challenges. It will
be presented to the Obama Administration at a meeting of federal agencies convened by the White
House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), and released to the public during a forum in Washington,
D.C., at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center.

The report is the first comprehensive, cross-sector examination of U.S. freshwater challenges and
solutions. It represents consensus recommendations of diverse interests convened by The Johnson
Foundation at Wingspread in Racine, Wisconsin.

WHO: The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, business, government and non-profit leaders
Panelists, include:
• Chuck Clarke, Chief Executive Officer, Association of Metropolitan Water
Agencies and President, Cascade Water Alliance
• John Ehrmann, Senior Partner, Meridian Institute
• Cecilia Estolano, Chief Strategist for State and Local Initiatives, Green for All
• Peter Gleick, President and Co-Founder, The Pacific Institute
• David Kohler, President and Chief Operating Officer, Kohler Co.
• Patrick O’Toole, President of the Board, Family Farm Alliance

WHAT: Release of Charting New Waters: A Call to Action to Address U.S. Freshwater
Challenges

WHEN: Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Noon – 2:00 p.m. (registration begins at 11:30 a.m.)

WHERE: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center

1300 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20004.
The Pavilion is located near the entrance at 13th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue off the
Daniel Patrick Moynihan Plaza.
Please note – for security reasons, the Ronald Reagan Building requires a photo ID to
gain entry to the building.

The report identifies serious challenges facing water from pollution and scarcity to population growth,
energy impacts and the threat of climate change. The document also offers actions to confront these
threats and a plan to ensure our freshwater resources are secure for the 21st century.

For additional information about the Call to Action and the work that preceded it, or to learn more about
The Johnson Foundation at Wingspread, please visit www.johnsonfdn.org and follow us on Twitter at
@TJFWingspread.
*****