Washington – Today, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee held a hearing on the Clean Water Rule. This rule, which was finalized in 2015, clarifies which streams and wetlands are considered part of the “Waters of the United States” and therefore covered under the Clean Water Act. Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation spoke at the hearing.
 
“Clean water is essential for public health, essential for wildlife and essential for our economy. Americans from all backgrounds and every corner of our nation are united on the need for safe drinking water and healthy rivers. The science is also in consensus: Keeping America’s rivers healthy starts upstream. Just like a tree depends on its roots, the health of every river is tied to the health of the streams that feed into it.
“Millions of jobs and billions of dollars in economic activity are connected to the health of our waters. It should come as no surprise that America’s duck hunters and anglers care deeply about water quality—and more than eight in ten support federal protections for smaller streams and wetlands.

“The final Clean Water Rule is the product of four years of transparent scientific and public deliberation. We support this rule and we encourage the committee to do the same.”

Additional Resources:
Collin O’Mara’s Full Testimony to the EPW Committee - 4-26-2017
Poll: Hunters and Anglers Nationwide Support the Clean Water Rule - 07-22-2015
National Wildlife Federation Applauds Administration Steps to Clarify Protections for Wetlands and Streams - 09-18-2013