Legislation gutting the Clean Water Act—legislation that, if passed, clears a path for polluters to contaminate our rivers, wetlands, lakes, and drinking water—is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives this week.
On Thursday, December 11, the House will vote on the “PERMIT Act” (HR 3898). This act pulls together numerous anti-clean water bills and essentially gives corporate polluters the green light to pollute our waterways across the country.
This legislation will not only be incredibly detrimental to our natural environment, but it will inevitably cause deep harm to the health of our communities. Here are just a few of the concerning provisions that will go into effect if the PERMIT Act becomes law:
- Polluters will be allowed to fill in and destroy wetlands and streams, decreasing our natural protections for flooding and extreme weather. For example, here in Illinois wetlands deliver $755 million each year in residential flood protection—how will communities cover the costs without these powerhouses?
- Rules prohibiting spraying of poisonous pesticides near rivers, lakes, and streams will be relaxed. The EPA has already identified 2,000 waterbodies and a significant portion of drinking water across the country are already contaminated with pesticides—why would we allow for further pollution critical drinking water sources?
- Industrial operations will no longer have to disclose the dumping of “forever chemicals” (PFAS), mercury, and other toxins into our waterways, despite the knowledge that these chemicals are linked to cancers, reproductive issues, and countless other health problems. Concerning levels of these chemicals are already detected in our environment, people, and wildlife—why would we let polluters off the hook at the cost of public health?
No one wants this—but the House is disregarding their constituents and doubling down on policies, destroying 50 years of protections that have saved lives, wetlands, and drinking water for Americans.
It is crucial that we act immediately to stop the PERMIT Act. Contact your legislator below and tell them to put people over polluters by voting NO on the PERMIT Act (HR 3898) this week.
