House Lawmakers Unveil Bill to Restore Key Clean Water Act Protections
WASHINGTON – More than 100 members of the House of Representatives announced a bill today to restore federal protections for rivers, wetlands, streams and other essential water bodies. The Clean Water Act of 2023 would reinstate safeguards the Supreme Court dismantled in Sackett v. EPA – protections that have existed for half a century to prevent the unregulated pollution and destruction of water bodies.
The following is a statement by Jon Devine, director of federal water policy for NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):
“All of us benefit from healthy wetlands, streams, and other water bodies – whether it’s for drinking, fishing or enjoying recreation. With climate change intensifying flooding and accelerating biodiversity loss, wetlands are critical to protect people and preserve wildlife. Keeping these waters intact and unpolluted is just basic common sense.”
NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Dehli (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC