Conservation Federation of Missouri!

Urge Congress to Restore Clean Water Act Protections and Safeguard the Nation’s Waters

From last year’s floods and drought, one lesson should be clear: we must protect our natural water supplies and water infrastructure.

• Healthy streams and wetlands naturally filter and replenish our drinking water supplies.
• They absorb flood waters and protect coastlines during heavy storms and hurricanes.
• They recharge and release precious water supplies during times of drought.
• They support diverse and abundant fish and wildlife.
• They support local hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and boating industries.
• They offer refuge and recreation close to home for people and wildlife alike.

Urge Congress to Protect These Waters: These waters are losing Clean Water Act protections in the wake of Supreme Court decisions in 2001 (SWANCC) and 2006 (Rapanos) and subsequent Corps of Engineers and EPA guidance.

In April 2008, House Committee Chairman Oberstar made clear his willingness to craft amended legislation that will restore Clean Water Act protections to critical waters while addressing opponents’ concerns. There is bi-partisan support on the Committee for such amended legislation, and sportsmen’s, conservation, and other groups are ready to join these Committee members in moving forward. The fact is, the original bill did not expand the Clean Water Act, and it recognized long-standing exemptions for farming, ranching, mining, and forestry. It is possible to build on that solid foundation. Options include:

• Using the definition of “waters of the United States” that has been in Corps and EPA regulations for decades, adding certainty and reducing costly litigation and delays;
• Clarifying the constitutional authority upon which Clean Water Act jurisdiction rests;
• Strengthening and clarifying prior converted cropland and waste treatment systems exemptions.

Please urge members of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to introduce and move quickly to enact the Clean Water Restoration Act or a similar Clean Water restoration bill in 2009.

What Do We Have to Lose??