NWF CEO Collin O'Mara with
EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy
and Jan Goldman-Carter, 
Sr. Manager, Wetlands & Water, NWF
Today, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers finalized a rule restoring Clean Water Act protections to more than half of the nation’s streams and millions of acres of wetlands. Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation, issued the following statement on announcement of the final rule:

 

"Clean water is essential for people and wildlife everywhere. The rule released today will benefit wildlife across the country—from manatees in Florida to mallards in Minnesota. We were particularly pleased that the EPA listened to scientific input and increased protections for some of the Prairie Potholes in the upper Midwest. These wetlands provide critical breeding grounds for millions of ducks every year—more than half of the nation’s waterfowl.

 

"The process worked as it should, with the Army Corps and the Environmental Protection Agency making numerous improvements and clarifications to the rule based on the public comments. The final rule balances the urgent need to protect our nation’s essential water resources with landowners’ desire for clarity. It is steeped in the large body of science clearly documenting the connections between these streams and wetlands and larger water bodies, such as rivers, lakes and bays. Given the significant improvements to the rule, we encourage members of Congress to end legislative efforts to undermine it and to support clean drinking water and healthy wildlife habitats."







 
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