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Dear NRDC Activist,
In case no one thought there were enough opportunities to pollute our waterways, yesterday Trump’s EPA proposed a new rule that would gut Clean Water Act protections for many U.S. wetlands and streams, making it easier for corporations to pollute them.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
The EPA’s proposal is yet another huge blow to clean water. Rolling back these lifesaving protections will increase flood risks, harm wildlife habitat, and degrade drinking water sources for millions of Americans.
The EPA is seeking public comments on this destructive plan for the next 45 days. Add your voice now to help show the Trump administration that millions of Americans demand clean water protections.
WHY IT MATTERS
The Clean Water Act has cleaned up our waterways over the last 50+ years by holding polluters accountable for their toxic messes. With this new rule, the Trump administration is putting polluters’ profits ahead of our basic human right to clean water.
Our waterways were on the brink of death before the Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972. For example:
- 240 million gallons of sewage waste were dumped into the Potomac River every day
- An oil well blowout near Santa Barbara, California, spewed 100,000 barrels of oil into the Pacific Ocean
- An oil slick creeping across Ohio’s Cuyahoga River caught on fire (multiple times!)
But polluting industries have tried to undermine the Clean Water Act ever since it was passed — because they know this law works.
Submit a public comment to the Trump admininstration's EPA opposing their plan to hand over our waterways to polluters.
WHAT’S AT STAKE
Clean drinking water. Wetlands filter nitrogen (which can cause algae blooms) and toxic metals from water as it flows toward drinking water sources.
Protections against flooding. Wetlands act as natural flood barriers, soaking up massive amounts of water during storm surges before they can damage communities.
Healthy ecosystems. Even though they only cover about 5 percent of the continental United States, wetlands support nearly half of all species listed as threatened or endangered.
Submit a public comment to the Trump admininstration's EPA opposing their plan to hand over our waterways to polluters.
WHAT NRDC IS DOING
From passing bills expanding protections to suing corporate polluters, NRDC has a long history of ensuring clean water for all. We’ve fought multiple times in court to protect all critical waters covered by the Clean Water Act.
Right now, we’re building the best case possible against this dangerous EPA plan by creating a public record showing broad support for the Clean Water Act and wetlands protection. It’s critical that advocates like you submit public comments to show the Trump administration we won’t let them get away with jeopardizing our clean water and to give NRDC legal standing to challenge federal agencies if they disregard your input.
Submit your public comment in defense of clean water for all before the deadline.
Sincerely,
Jon Devine
Director, Freshwater Ecosystems, NRDC
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