Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers: A Quarter-Century of Environmental Impact and Community Engagement

Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers (ROR) program is celebrating its 26th year, with plans to engage 5,000 volunteers across 28 scheduled cleanup events through October 31, 2025. This initiative, launched in 1999, has made a significant impact on the environmental sustainability and economic development of Alabama over the past 25 years. Let's delve into the key factors driving the program's success and its alignment with Alabama Power's broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Environmental Sustainability and Economic Development

The ROR program has removed a staggering 13.4 million pounds of debris from Alabama waterways, contributing to cleaner and healthier ecosystems. This includes 107 tons of trash removed in 2024 alone by 3,400 volunteers. Over the past 25 years, more than 104,000 volunteers have participated in the ROR cleanups, demonstrating a strong commitment to environmental conservation among Alabama residents. The program has targeted various waterways across the state, including Valley Creek, Lake Eufaula, Logan Martin, and many others, ensuring a broad impact on Alabama's natural resources.

The ROR program has also fostered economic development by engaging volunteers from diverse backgrounds, including students, scout groups, and community members. This has encouraged community involvement and collaboration, which can stimulate local economies. The program has attracted volunteers from outside the state, contributing to tourism and related economic activities. In 2025, the program plans to engage 5,000 volunteers across 28 scheduled cleanup events, with participants likely to spend on accommodation, food, and other local services.

Key Factors Driving Increased Volunteer Recruitment and Participation

Several factors have contributed to the increased volunteer recruitment and participation in the ROR program, particularly among lake associations and community members post-pandemic:

1. Growing enthusiasm and energy for the program: According to ROR Coordinator Mike Clelland, there is an increasing enthusiasm and energy for the program among lake associations and community members. He noted, "The energy for the program is still there, and it's even increasing in some instances" (Alabama Power, 2025).
2. Successful track record: The program's 25-year legacy of removing 13.4 million pounds of debris from Alabama waterways through 104,000 volunteers has contributed to its credibility and appeal. In 2024 alone, 3,400 volunteers removed about 107 tons of trash, demonstrating the program's impact and effectiveness (Alabama Power, 2025).
3. Increased awareness and engagement: The program has seen a steady rise in volunteer numbers post-pandemic, with high school and college students, scout groups, and community members eager to contribute. This increased awareness and engagement can be attributed to the program's visibility and the positive impact it has on local communities and waterways (Alabama Power, 2025).
4. Strong participation from various groups: The program has strong participation from company volunteers, homeowner and boat owner groups (HOBO), and environmental organizations. This diverse support base helps to create a sense of community and shared responsibility for the environment, encouraging more people to get involved (Alabama Power, 2025).
5. Expanded cleanup schedule: The program has 28 cleanup events lined up for 2025, running through October 31, with additional dates to be announced. This expanded schedule provides more opportunities for volunteers to participate, making it easier for people to find a suitable event that fits their availability (Alabama Power, 2025).

Alignment with Alabama Power's CSR Initiatives

The ROR program aligns with Alabama Power's broader CSR initiatives in several ways, contributing positively to the company's reputation and stakeholder relations:

1. Environmental Stewardship: The ROR program is a key component of Alabama Power's commitment to environmental stewardship. By organizing cleanup events and removing debris from Alabama's waterways, the company demonstrates its dedication to preserving and protecting the environment. This aligns with its broader CSR initiatives focused on sustainability and responsible energy production (Alabama Power, 2025).
2. Community Engagement: The ROR program fosters strong community engagement by involving volunteers from various backgrounds, including lake associations, students, scout groups, and community members. This aligns with Alabama Power's CSR initiatives aimed at building strong communities and supporting local causes. By engaging with the community, the company strengthens its relationships with stakeholders and enhances its reputation as a responsible corporate citizen (Alabama Power, 2025).
3. Employee Involvement: The ROR program encourages Alabama Power employees to participate as volunteers, fostering a sense of pride and ownership in the company's CSR efforts. This aligns with the company's broader CSR initiatives focused on employee development and engagement. By involving employees in the ROR program, Alabama Power promotes a positive work environment and strengthens its relationship with its workforce (Alabama Power, 2025).
4. Partnerships and Collaboration: The ROR program collaborates with various organizations, such as homeowner and boat owner groups (HOBO) and environmental organizations. This aligns with Alabama Power's broader CSR initiatives focused on building strategic partnerships and collaborations to achieve common goals. By working with these organizations, Alabama Power enhances its reputation as a collaborative and responsible corporate partner (Alabama Power, 2025).
5. Long-term Impact: The ROR program's 25-year legacy of removing 13.4 million pounds of debris from Alabama waterways demonstrates the company's commitment to long-term environmental and social impact. This aligns with Alabama Power's broader CSR initiatives focused on sustainable development and creating lasting positive change. By consistently delivering results, the ROR program contributes to the company's positive reputation and strengthens its relationships with stakeholders (Alabama Power, 2025).

In conclusion, the Renew Our Rivers program has made a significant impact on the environmental sustainability and economic development of Alabama over the past 25 years. The program's success can be attributed to several key factors, and its alignment with Alabama Power's broader CSR initiatives contributes positively to the company's reputation and stakeholder relations. As the program enters its 26th year, it continues to engage volunteers and make a meaningful difference in the lives of Alabama residents and the state's natural resources.