Waterkeeper Alliance and partners submitted comments strongly condemning the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ proposal to reissue its Nationwide Permit program. These proposed changes would allow the destruction of tens of thousands of acres of waterways and wetlands across the United States without any meaningful review by the government or notice to the public, in gross violation of federal law. In 2021, the groups filed a lawsuit challenging the Corps’ Nationwide Permit 12 for oil and gas pipelines and continue to oppose the reissued permit, which allows pipelines—often hundreds or even thousands of miles long—to cross waterways and threaten wildlife without comprehensive environmental review.

U.S. WATERKEEPERS: DELAYED VOTE

The U.S. House of Representatives was expected to vote last week on H.R. 3898, also known as the PERMIT Act, before sending it to the Senate. However, Speaker Mike Johnson called an early recess, and the bill was not included on the final docket before the break. The vote is now expected to take place in September.

The PERMIT Act poses a serious threat to the Clean Water Act and public health by prioritizing polluters over protections. Specifically, it would weaken the U.S. EPA’s ability to regulate emerging contaminants such as PFAS, 6PPD, and microplastics, strip protections from ephemeral streams, limit states’ authority to block harmful energy projects, and impose a narrow 60-day window for legal challenges to permits that allow wetland destruction. It would also codify the Army Corps of Engineers’ use of nationwide permits for oil and gas pipelines while restricting the agency’s authority to veto projects that endanger clean water and wetlands.

We are working closely with partners to strengthen opposition efforts ahead of the September vote. Stay tuned for updates and opportunities to take action.

The delegates at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee have let us down by not finalizing the strongest possible Global Plastics Treaty. Plastic pollution is ravaging our beaches, harming marine life, poisoning our communities, and even contaminating our food and water supplies. It has devastated our waterways, communities, and public health. From the moment it is created, plastic ends up in places it doesn’t belong. We need a treaty that not only addresses plastic pollution but also protects frontline communities affected by this crisis. This is our chance to act as the final session takes place August 4th to August 14th in Switzerland. Join us in eliminating plastic pollution for a cleaner, healthier future. Take action now!

HUDSON RIVERKEEPER CLEAN-UP EVENT

We recently took part in a community cleanup hosted by Hudson Riverkeeper, in partnership with the Riverside Park Conservancy and HSBC. We were joined by more than 85 volunteers and interns who collected nearly 20 full trash bags of litter from the surrounding area and the river. This included discarded bottles, bottle caps, other waste, and even bicycles. These cleanups highlight a significant issue with how we manage waste, as small items like bottle caps can be particularly harmful to wildlife. Learn how Hudson Riverkeeper holds polluters accountable, how the Riverside Park Conservancy maintains local green spaces, and how HSBC supports water quality monitoring and conservation in our latest blog post!

Now streaming! In this latest episode of Equity In Every Drop, Great Salt Lake Waterkeeper Amy Wicks and Bocas de Ceniza Waterkeeper Liliana Guerrero discuss their collaborative efforts to protect critical wetlands and habitats that support 10 million migratory birds across the Americas. Amy highlights the declining water levels and ecological threats facing the Great Salt Lake, while Liliana emphasizes the significance of Colombia’s Ramsar wetlands, which serve as vital habitats for over 190 migratory bird species. They underscore the alarming rate at which these wetlands are disappearing, outpacing the loss of surrounding forests due to deforestation, contamination, and climate change. Together, they emphasize the urgent need for international cooperation to address shared challenges such as habitat loss, pollution, and climate change. Listen here or wherever you get your podcasts!

Our latest Who Is Waterkeeper showcases the incredible work of Miles-Wye Riverkeeper, Benjamin Ford – a lifelong explorer and educator who has dedicated years to defending the Miles and Wye Rivers from pollution and neglect. From connecting farmers to resources for nutrient reduction to advocating for effective stormwater management in new developments, Ben has devoted his efforts to improving and protecting his environment. His decision to become a Waterkeeper was driven by his passion for community collaboration and the desire to ensure that his son and future generations can enjoy clear waters.

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