Native Plant Conservation Campaign News: Join scientific societies and comment in support of the “Waters of the United States” Clean Water Rule by September 27
September 14, 2017
This Obama-era Rule clarifies the definition the “waters of the U.S.” under the Clean Water Act. This 2015 definition governs which waterways and areas must be protected under the federal Clean Water Act. The definition ensures that the law unambiguously protects tributaries, wetlands, intermittent streams and other waters that flow into the “navigable waterways” that are the Clean Water Act’s primary focus.
The Clean Water Rule was one of the most significant scientific and conservation advances of the Obama administration.
The Clean Water Rule codifies the common sense fact that in order to keep our rivers, lakes and other “navigable waterways” clean, we must make sure that the waters that feed them are also clean. After all, water pollution flows downhill.
The Trump administration disagrees. The administration is pursuing a two-step process of repealing and replacing the rule. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers are accepting comments on the proposed first step towards undoing the rule. The comment period is open until Sept. 27.
An additional benefit of the Obama Waters of the U.S. rule is that by providing Clean Water Act protection for wetlands, small and intermittent streams and other areas it not only safeguards these natural water purification systems, it also conserves and restores millions of acres of essential habitat for rare plants and wildlife.
Other
ecosystem services these waters provide include flood control, water supply stabilization and of course beauty and recreation. In fact destruction of wetlands is identified as an significant factor in the destruction caused by recent hurricanes in Texas and Florida. Repeal of the Waters of the U.S. rule would accelerate wetland loss and flood damage, as well as reduce drinking water quality.
“Current science overwhelmingly supports the Clean Water Rule. All people depend on the nation’s waters, and so we urge you to support the Clean Water Rule, which is needed for us to achieve the Clean Water Act’s objective to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation’s waters.”
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