American Rivers statement on introduction of Clean Water for All Act

May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020
Contact: Amy Kober, 503-708-1145

Acting to safeguard drinking water for millions of Americans, House Transportation and Infrastructure Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-OR), and Water Resources Subcommittee Chairwoman Grace Napolitano (D-CA) today introduced the Clean Water For All Act, to repeal the Trump administration’s Dirty Water Rule.

The Dirty Water Rule removes Clean Water Act protection from ephemeral streams (one in five streams nationally) and isolated wetlands (51 percent of all wetlands), opening the door to increased pollution, harmful development and destruction of drinking water sources.

Bob Irvin, President and CEO of American Rivers, made the following statement:

“We applaud Chairman DeFazio’s leadership as a champion for clean water by sponsoring this bill, and we commend Rep. Napolitano for her leadership as the original co-sponsor of the legislation.”

“The coronavirus pandemic has underscored the critical need for safe, clean water for all to protect public health and hygiene. Now is the time to strengthen, not weaken, safeguards for our rivers and water supplies.”

“Clean water and healthy rivers are vital to strong communities and are essential to our future. We must follow the science and restore necessary protections to the streams and wetlands that provide so many benefits for our health, well-being and economy.”

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