Tell State Leaders to Protect Our Waters and Wetlands
Mississippi's birds, communities, and economy all depend on healthy rivers, streams, and wetlands. Act today to ensure state leaders develop strong rules to protect these resources!
After the U.S. Supreme Court's Sackett v. EPA decision dramatically rolled back federal protections for wetlands, it's now up to Mississippi to defend them. The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) is proposing new rules, known as the State Water Alteration Program (SWAP), that will determine how—and if—the state protects wetlands and streams. MDEQ is accepting public input now.
Strong state rules mean clean drinking water, flood protection for communities, and habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife. Healthy wetlands and waters support Mississippi's annual $4.2. billion outdoor recreation economy and our multi-million-dollar seafood industry.
Weak rules would open the door for increased destruction and pollution of wetlands and streams—many of these vital resources could be lost forever due to ill-planned development and other destructive activities.
Mississippi had already lost 59% of its historic wetlands by the mid-1980's, and these losses have continued. It's crucial MDEQ puts strong, enforceable rules in place to ensure a secure water future, sustain our economy, and protect our rich hunting-fishing culture.
Act now! Tell regulators to develop strong rules that protect Mississippi's waters and wetlands!
Dear MS Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ),
I am a Mississippian who knows healthy rivers, streams, and wetlands are essential to support our wildlife, communities, and economy, as well as my quality of life. Therefore, I urge the agency to develop strong, enforceable rules that protect our state's waters and wetlands.
With a 59% documented historic wetland loss by the 1980's, and continued losses since, weak rules would further open the door for increased destruction and pollution of Mississippi's vital water resources. With many of the nation's wetlands losing federal safeguards, protecting our remaining wetlands is now more important than ever.
I ask that MDEQ's State Water Alteration Program:
- Be comprehensive and science-based so that it supports a secure water future, sustains wildlife, and safeguards our rich outdoors culture;
- Provide strong resource protections by reflecting federal standards that require permits for activities that impact 0.5 acres of wetlands or 500 linear feet of waterways;
- Expand protections to include ephemeral streams, which play a crucial role in recharging our water supply and waterways;
- Promote public safety and reduce disaster losses by discouraging poorly sited development that can put people and property in harm's way; and
- Strengthen the state's resilience to drought, flood, and extreme weather by safeguarding natural ecosystems and watershed functions.
Mississippi's waters sustain all of us—our communities, livelihoods, farmers, industry, and the wildlife that depend on them. I call on MDEQ to develop comprehensive, enforceable rules that protect our state's waters and wetlands for generations to come.
Thank you for MDEQ's consideration and continued attention to these important issues.
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