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EPA Removes Protections For Streams, Wetlands and Drinking Water

“Systems that provide drinking water for roughly one-third of Americans will no longer be clearly covered.”

WASHINGTON – Today, the EPA published its repeal of the Obama administration's Clean Water Rule. 

“The Clean Water Act is one of the most successful environmental laws on the books. Healthier waters benefit us all in many ways – from cleaner drinking water to restored urban riverfronts to more opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. However, today’s action will throw critical streams and wetlands back into legal limbo. Systems that provide drinking water for roughly one-third of Americans will no longer be clearly covered by the Clean Water Act,” said Jim Murphy, director of legal advocacy for the National Wildlife Federation. “The Administration often claims that it is repealing the Clean Water Rule to benefit states, but just yesterday the EPA closed comment on a separate effort to undercut states’ and tribes’ ability to review federal actions that could harm local rivers, streams or wetlands. These two actions are part of a broader effort to weaken the Clean Water Act on multiple fronts.”

 
 

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