e-newz archives

July 2007

Get Hopping For Wetlands!

Support the Clean Water Restoration Act

Your action is needed TODAY to protect wetlands, intermittent streams, and other waters in Illinois! Many of our natural aquatic resources have lost protection under the Clean Water Act as a result of recent decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court. More precisely, 150,118 acres of Illinois wetlands and 56% of Illinois streams may no longer be protected. 

There is a lot of uncertainty about what waters are regulated by the Clean Water Act. Fortunately, a bipartisan bill called the Clean Water Restoration Act (H.R. 2421) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This bill would serve to clarify and restore the original intent of the Clean Water Act by protecting waters of the United States, not just the navigable waters. As a result, isolated wetlands and other non-navigable waters would get the protection that our lakes and rivers currently have.

More information about the Clean Water Restoration Act can be found at http://transportation.house.gov/news/PRArticle.aspx?NewsID=227.

So far, Illinois Representatives Bean, Davis, Emanuel, Gutierrez, Jackson, Kirk, Rush, and Schakowsky are co-sponsors of the bill.  If you live in their district, please let them know that you support their efforts and want them to vote for the final passage of H.R. 2421.

If your Representative is not listed above, please ask him or her to become a co-sponsor and vote for the bill. Contact information for your Representative can be found at www.house.gov. 

If you would like more information before calling or meeting with your Representative, call the Prairie Rivers Network office at (217) 344-2371. 

There is no date yet for a House vote on the bill, so you should contact your Representative as soon as possible to ensure your voice is heard in time.

Your action is important and very much appreciated!