As Americans Set to Spend $1 Billion on Beer for July 4th Holiday, Brewers Call on Americans to Tell Congress #DefendOurBeer!

Independent brewers here and across the country are calling on Americans to raise a glass to their members of Congress this Fourth of July, to encourage lawmakers to preserve the federal EPA funding, on which states and cities rely on to monitor and enforce water quality.

“Brewers depend on consistent, quality water to make our beer,” said Tim Patton, founder of the Saint Benjamin Brewing Company (named after founding father Benjamin Franklin) in Philadelphia.

“With beer being made up of about 90% water, the programs that maintain safe water around the nation are critical to us – and to everyone who swims, fishes or just drinks water.”

Patton and the proprietors of breweries across America are urging Congress to reject President Trump’s proposal to eliminate 31 percent of EPA funding. Money that goes to help states and cities keep their water sources clean are among the vital programs targeted for slashing or elimination.

“The administration’s proposed cuts in EPA funding threaten our brews and our businesses,” said Bob Szuter, owner of Wolf’s Ridge Brewing in Columbus, OH. “Clean water is something we rely on, and expect our governments to protect.”

Craft brewers and Defend Our Future, a non-partisan, non-profit organization for young adults interested in protecting their environment, are also urging Americans to send messages to Congress with the hashtag #DefendOurBeer on and around the Fourth of July, to call for continued funding for vital EPA water programs.

The Independence Day holiday is one of the top days for beer sales across the USA; Americans spend an estimated $1 billion on beer to celebrate Independence Day, according to the Beer Institute.

Drink responsibly – and defend our water to #DefendOurBeer!

See and read more at http://defendourfuture.org/saving-beer-epa/

For more information or for interviews with national experts and local brewers, please contact: steve.hirsh@wardcirclestrategies.com.

About Defend Our Future

Defend Our Future is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to engaging with young adults interested in sustaining their environment, growing our national economy and protecting the world for future generations.