Comment are needed NOW on a decision by the Trump administration to repeal a rule that protects 60 percent of stream miles in America—in addition to most of our nation’s wetlands. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a proposal to repeal the 2015 Clean Water Rule safeguarding headwater streams and wetlands. Conservationists, anglers, irrigators, recreationists, and all water drinkers, should act to defend the Clean Water Rule because it:
White-tailed Deer
Your opinion matters! PLEASE take the time TODAY to send EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt comments to protect the Clean Water Act.
Bull Trout
WHAT WE ARE ASKING YOU TO DO:
Email EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt TODAY to tell him NOT to repeal the Clean Water Rule for “Waters of the United States.” Comments must be received by Wednesday, September 27, 2017.
Comments are only being accepted online at https://www.regulations.gov/comment?D=EPA-HQ-OW-2017-0203-0001.
SAMPLE COMMENT*
To: Administrator Scott Pruitt, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Policy Regulatory Reform, Mail Code 1803A, 1200 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20460
Dear Administrator Pruitt,
I am writing regarding the proposal by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to repeal the definition of Waters of the United States under the Clean Water Act. I oppose this repeal because the current Clean Water Rule:
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on this important issue.
Sincerely,
*Helpful Hint: Email comments are more effective if you alter the introductory sentence and/or personalize the letter in some way.
FIVE REASONS TO OPPOSE REPEALING THE WATERS OF THE UNITED STATES DEFINITION:
Isolated wetland in Swan Valley
country’s streams and wetlands became confusing and complex because of two Supreme Court decisions: SWANCC in 2001 (a 5-4 decision on isolated wetlands) and Rapanos in 2006 (a 4-1-4 decision on tributaries and wetlands adjacent to tributaries). The rule was designed to take out much of the ‘judgment call’ for staff who were implementing the permit process. In addition, the rule was based on a report which reviewed more than 1,200 peer-reviewed scientific publications. The rule also had an extensive public comment period when it was adopted—almost 6 month long. In the end, 87% of the comments supported the rule.
It should be noted that there are important safeguards in the Clean Water Rule to prevent adverse impacts to farmers and ranchers.
Small boy drinking water
good sense—especially in a dry state like Montana. One of the most valuable functions of wetlands and headwater streams is their ability to maintain and improve water quality. As suspended particles move through these areas, they are held by the vegetation and soil. Toxic substances, including heavy metals, toxic chemicals and pathogens, can be filtered out or broken down by plants, keeping these pollutants from entering nearby lakes and rivers. Captured nutrients, including phosphorous and nitrates, are used by plants or are slowly returned to the water, thus stabilizing nutrient loads. Consequently, the filtering capacity of healthy wetlands and headwater streams can maintain—or even improve—water quality. In addition, 54% of Montanans rely on clean surface water for public drinking water, including the following communities: the cities of Bozeman, Butte, Glasgow, Great Falls, Havre, Helena, Kalispell, Libby, Red Lodge, Ronan, Stevensville, Thompson Falls, White Sulphur Springs, Whitefish, and most of the communities along the Yellowstone River (Billings, Forsyth, Glendive, Laurel, Lockwood, and Miles City).
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and bear; breeding and nesting areas for an estimated 55% of Montana’s breeding birds; and much-needed food and resting areas for migrating birds. Isolated wetlands are particularly important to ducks and geese. In addition, keeping headwater streams clean is critical for roughly 50 percent of Montana’s trout streams, which are important to fishing and the economy.
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For More Information:
Please send your comments so they are received by Wednesday, September 27, 2017!