Biden Should Veto Clean Water Act CRA
WASHINGTON — Today, 53 Senators attacked the Clean Water Act by passing a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution. The measure would overturn the Biden Administration’s Clean Water Restoration rule and prevent any future administration from issuing similar protections.
Jon Devine, Director of Federal Water Policy at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council), made the following statement:
“Today’s vote was reckless and had no place on the Senate’s docket. This harmful legislation seeks to gut commonsense clean water protections for streams and wetlands, putting polluters before people.
“This attack on the Clean Water Act was joined by all Republicans present and some Democrats. From either party, it’s indefensible. Ensuring everyone in America — regardless of their race, income, or location — has access to safe, clean water should always take priority over the profits of corporate polluters.
“We urge President Biden to follow through with his threat to veto this dangerous resolution and protect the waters we all depend on.”
BACKGROUND
The Congressional Review Act creates a dangerous fast-track mechanism for Congress to overturn final rules issued by federal agencies. It has the potential to eliminate significant environmental, public health and other protections.
While it can be used at any time, lawmakers most often invoke the CRA on the cusp of an administration change or a shift in majority control. In its history, the CRA has been used to overturn a total of 20 rules.
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.