For too long protections for our nation's water sources have taken a back seat to acrimony and partisanship by policymakers in Washington.
As a result, 55% of our waters in the U.S. are rated in "poor" condition; unfit for swimming, fishing, or drinking, and the Environmental Protection Agency studies show that the problem is just getting worse.
The EPA has proposed a rulemaking that will restore key protections to many of our nation's water sources by clearly defining what the jurisdiction of the Clean Water Act is.
This "Waters of the U.S." rulemaking will provide the certainty we need to know that our treasured water resources will be protected from harmful pollution.
Please join us in telling EPA to finalize the "Waters of the U.S." rulemaking, and end the partisan bickering that has gotten in the way of real protections for our wetlands, streams, rivers, and other treasured water sources.
Dear Environmental Protection Agency,
Clean water is essential to our everyday lives. Restoring important Clean Water Act (CWA) protections to our nation's streams, wetlands, and other important waters will provide us with the certainty that we need as Americans to know that our water is safe.
[Your comment will be added here]
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) should strengthen the proposed "Waters of the United States" rule by incorporating the scientifically-supported inclusion of certain "other waters," like vernal pools, or playa lakes for example, and finalize this rule quickly.
I urge EPA to ensure that this proposed rulemaking accurately captures the important functions of streams, wetlands, and other important waterways, and finalize this important rulemaking quickly. As the science clearly indicates, smaller waters influence the health of ALL of our nation's water sources and drinking water supplies. Those waters, many of which are treasured community assets, must be protected so that we can ensure that waters falling under the Clean Water Act are indeed clean and safe.
I strongly support the "Waters of the United States" rulemaking, and encourage EPA to strengthen the proposed rule by including "other waters" categorically under Clean Water Act jurisdiction. The science makes clear that protections for streams, wetlands, and other water bodies, left vulnerable by previous administration policies, must be restored as quickly as possible.
Clean water is essential to the health of my family, friends, community, and to me personally. I urge you withstand dirty water politics and to move forward on finalizing this rule immediately.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
