Support Greater Protection for Wetlands and Streams
After years of confusion about which streams and wetlands are legally protected under the Clean Water Act, the EPA has announced a proposed rule to preserve vital safeguards for our nation's waters by ensuring that all streams, and the wetlands in their floodplains, will be covered under the law.
Sign your name to send your public comments today in support of the EPA's efforts to protect our wetlands and streams. Add your own comment for even greater impact. Comments are due July 21.
NOTE: Your comments will become part of the public record.
Subject: Protect Wetlands and Streams (EPA-HQ-OW-2011-0880) To whom it may concern: As a strong advocate for bird conservation, I support the proposed Waters of the United States rule to clarify the Clean Water Act's protection of our nation's critical wetlands and streams, and I urge you to promptly finalize the rule. Wetlands and streams are indispensable habitat for hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, including Northern Pintail, American Bittern, Semipalmated Plover, Prothonotary Warbler, and many more. These waters also filter pollution, provide drinking water for over 100 million people, and safeguard our communities from storms. Yet these waters have remained in legal limbo for years, even though the science is clear that streams and their adjacent wetlands should be covered under the Clean Water Act. Streams and wetlands significantly affect the quality of other covered waters, such as rivers and lakes. Other wetlands, such as prairie potholes, which are vital breeding habitat for ducks, also have a significant impact on the quality of downstream waters, and I urge you to cover these waters as well. Thank you for your work to fulfill the goals of the Clean Water Act. Please finalize this rule as soon as possible so that birds, other wildlife, and our communities can thrive with the security of clean and abundant water. [Your comment here] Sincerely, [Your name here]
