The Environmental Protections Agencies latest definition of the Waters of the United States.
Please comment to protect water.
The latest proposal to define the Waters of the United States by the Trump administration narrows the definition and removes protections from a large portion of our wetlands and streams.
The most egregious change will exclude all rivers and streams that go dry more than 30 days per year. That would exclude many rivers in Arizona and New Mexico and exclude many perennial streams in the west. These streams protect our clean water supply and must be protected by the Clean Water Act.
Many wetlands that are not connected protect us against floods. With this definition, a landowner can fill in a wetlands on a property without getting a permit from the state.
You can read more about the proposal and comment HERE(opens in new tab).
Suggested Talking Points:
You are welcome to use these talking points, but please put them in your own words and tell the EPA why US waters are important to you.
- Wetlands that are connected to permanent streams for any duration throughout the year must be protected in this definition.
- Do not remove Clean Water Act protections from millions of acres of wetlands and intermittent streams. The definition of “waters of the United States” must include all water bodies, wetlands, bogs, fens, rivers, streams, intermittent streams, and intermittent pools regardless of their connection to other waters.
- Wetlands absorb floodwaters, filter water, and provide habitat for birds and animals. They also serve as refugia for wildlife from fire.
- The vast network of small streams and wetlands (including bogs and fens) provide clean drinking water for millions of Americans.
- The definition of “waters of the United States” must include all water bodies, wetlands, rivers, streams, intermittent streams, and intermittent pools regardless of the duration of their connection.
- The proposed definition omits the fact that all waters are connected underground.
- Waters that are not connected due to man made structures must be considered connected.
- This definition will leave many waters and wetlands unprotected which will affect water quality and quantity and leave communities vulnerable to flooding.
Learn more about wetlands HERE(opens in new tab)
