The Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act, HR2018, would gut the Clean Water Act by giving the states, rather than the EPA, the ultimate decision-making authority over our nation's water quality standards. Birth defects, as well as cancer and other diseases, occur at a much higher rate in states like KY, WV, VA, TN where water sources are polluted by MTR. Just as the EPA, lead by Lisa Jackson, is getting some bite to their bark, the House of Representatives has passed HR2018. Now it will proceed to the Senate. Tell your Senators to Vote NO on "The Dirty Water Bill of 2011." Vote NO to HR2018!!!
We the undersigned are troubled by the recent passage of
H.R. 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011, out of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. The bill was introduced by Chairman John L. Mica (R-FL) and the Committees Ranking Member Nick Rahall (D-WV). They are attempting to undermine the authority and progress made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lead by Director Lisa Jackson. The EPA has stepped into Central Appalachia, and for the first time ever, used their power to uphold the "Clean Water Act", which protects all Americans from a contaminated water supply.
The EPA can successfully stop the issuance of surface mining permits by enforcing compliance to Federal Regulations outlined in the Clean Water Act.. In January, the EPA vetoed a water permit issued in 2007 by the US Army Corps of Engineers for planned Spruce Mine No.1 in WV, the largest Mountaintop Removal mine ever proposed.
All the debris from this type of mining is shoveled into a "valley fill." The "debris" includes the rock and dirt, trees and vegetation, and toxic chemicals related to the process (sulfates, selenium, aluminum, and other heavy metals) . All this "waste" finds it's way into the streams, creeks and rivers...even causing them to run a bright orange.
This year the EPA has taken unprecedented steps, like bringing Massey Energy to court and winning the decision! More mines are being closed due to non-compliance of safety and hazardous conditions. And withdrawing permits citing the CWA as validity. Just as the EPA gathers steam, HR2018 was introduced to take their power and authority away. The Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011 (dubbed the "Dirty Water Act of 2011") would give the decision-making process back to each individual state, where politics and greed would surely trump scientific evidence and concern for animal and human life.
In an interview by Politico, Pres. Obama is quoted saying, "It's about listening to what our scientists have to say, even when it's inconvenient- especially when it's inconvenient." We urge you to review the new study titled "Mountaintop Mining Consequences" conducted by members of the National Academy of Sciences.
Thank you for your attention and consideration of this matter...Remember, "We all live downstream."
Thank You, again.
