Contact: Kim Knowles, Prairie Rivers Network, kknowles@prairierivers.org, 217-344-2371 ext. 209
PROPOSED ROLLBACK OF CLEAN WATER REGULATIONS MEANS
LESS SAFE WATER FOR ILLINOIS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CHAMPAIGN, IL – This week, the Trump administration has proposed sweeping changes to the Obama-era regulation known as the Waters of the United States, a move that threatens the safety of Illinois’ rivers, groundwater, and the drinking water of millions across the state.
In 2015, the Obama administration issued the Waters of the United States rule (aka The Clean Water Rule) to help clarify the application of the Clean Water Act to bodies of water across the nation. The 2015 rule was passed after years of study and extensive scientific and public input. The rule recognized the importance of small streams and wetlands to healthy river systems and clean drinking water.
“The proposed rollbacks are devastating,” said Kim Knowles of Prairie Rivers Network, “and are a continuation of the Trump Administration’s protracted assaults on the health of our planet and our communities.”
Trump’s proposed rule guts all protections for ephemeral streams (small streams that flow after rain or snow events) and for most wetlands, leaving them vulnerable to pollution from mining, manufacturing, industrial agriculture, and other sources. Many wetlands could end up paved over or plowed under.
Small streams and wetlands protect our drinking water and the health of our rivers. These water bodies mitigate flooding, filter pollutants, and provide unique and vital habitat for many species.
They are also central to Illinois’ economy. State breweries and outdoor recreation are major economic drivers, contributing $ 2.6 and $25.8 billion respectively to the economy annually. Both of these in industries need clean water and healthy river systems to thrive.
“Without the protections provided by the current Clean Water Rule, commercial developers could pave over or build on wetlands without any oversight, oil spills or pipeline breaks into these waters would no longer be considered CWA violations, and manure from factory farms could overflow into streams without fear of federal consequences.” Kim Knowles
The Trump administration is clearly not interested in engaging the public as it tries to gut protections for vital water bodies. Trump’s EPA is only offering a 60 day public comment period, starting during the holidays when many Americans are focused on other priorities. This is the complete opposite of how EPA developed the Clean Water Rule during the Obama administration. EPA held a robust public engagement process in developing the Clean Water Rule. It held more than 400 meetings with stakeholders and hosted a 200 day comment period that resulted in nearly 1 million comments from the public (the majority of those comments were in support).
For more than 45 years, the Clean Water Act has helped us move to a time when all water bodies are safe for swimming and fishing, and when drinking water supplies are protected from pollution. This latest rollback harms us all.
Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois’ advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.
###
