April 2019 - Clean water is vital to our ecology, our health, and our quality of life. Finalized in 2015, a Clean Water Rule within that act restored federal protections to half the nation’s streams, which help provide drinking water to one in every three Americans. The Rule also protects millions of acres of wetlands that provide wildlife habitat and keep pollutants out of America’s great waterways, from the Great Lakes to Chesapeake Bay to Puget Sound. This Rule is now under attack by the Trump administration through court suits and Executive Orders. The latest threat is a proposed narrowing of the definition of 'Waters of the United States' that would reduce by half the waters being regulated by the EPA concerning such matters as point source discharges; dredge and fill permits, and oil spill prevention programs
TAKE ACTION BY APRIL 15:
The EPA's comment period for the proposed changes to the Clean Water Act ends on April 15th. Before that date, tell the EPA you do not approve of the proposed redefinition of "Waters of the United States" because it all significantly reduces the scope of the Clean Water Act to protect wetlands and ensure safe water for all Americans.
On the Web: To comment on the web go to the following EPA website page:
https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0149-0003
Then click on "Comment Now" and add your comment.
By Mail: Reference Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2018-0149. Mail your comments to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, EPA Docket Center, Office of Water Docket, Mail Code 28221T, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20460
Multiply this Message: Write a letter to the editor about this important & timely issue. This is a powerful way to educate and mobilize others.