In March, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers proposed a new Clean Water Protection Rule, an action that will restore clear protections to many small streams and wetlands that clearly are covered under the Clean Water Act (you can read more about the history of this problem here and about how the proposed EPA rule would solve it here).
Despite objections from big polluters and their allies and Congress, public support for the Clean Water Protection Rule is clear and growing.
There’s a simple reason for that. The proposed rule—officially known as the Waters of the U.S. Rule-- does not broaden the law’s historic coverage, but would be a significant step towards returning the Act to its original purpose—to protect clean water in streams, wetlands, and other bodies for healthy drinking water, a strong economy and recreational benefits for everyone.
Starting today, we will post regular updates on support from around the country for the Clean Water Protection Rule. Today's post focuses on support from farmers and small business owners -- folks at the front lines who depend on a clean and reliable water supply. There's a lot of misinformation floating around about the rule; my colleague Jon Devine debunks the false claims being made by some here.
And, if you agree that Americans deserve clean water protections, please add your voice to the continued support for this rule. Here’s a look at some of the support from around the country so far from farmers:
- Agriculture.com, “Fed not regulating common farm water practices -- EPA chief”
- AgriPulse, “Opinion: Clearer protections for clean water support a strong farm economy”
- GreenBiz, “Businesses need clean water, too: Why we need the EPA's help”
- Greenwire, “Major Obama proposal doesn't change ag rules -- so why are farm groups so worried?
- LocalKicks, “115 Small Business Owners, Congressman Jim Moran, Environment Virginia Join EPA To Support Protecting Virginia’s Waterways”
- Montana Farmers Union, “EPA’s Proposed Clean Water Act Rule – Myths and Facts”
- Spring Grove Herald, “Clearing the Regulatory Waters”
- The Times and the Democrat, “Clean water is key to business success”
There have also been thousands of letters from citizens and numerous organizations’ statements directed calling for the protections of these streams and wetlands. A few of these statements include the following organizations and their supporters:
- American Sustainable Business Council
- Center for Rural Affairs
- Farmers (Land Stewards)
- National Farmers Union
- Small Business Owners
The next post will look at sportsmen support, as well as how the rule benefits water quality.