Dear John,

The EPA is proposing changes to Section 401 of the Clean Water Act that would limit state and Tribal review of water quality impacts before federal projects move forward. When local oversight is reduced, foreseeable water risks aren't addressed early, and those costs and operational impacts get pushed to businesses like yours: unexpected delays, retrofits after construction starts, and permit conditions that appear only after capital is committed.

The cost difference is significant. Addressing water quality issues during planning is manageable. Discovering them mid-construction can cost 3-10 times more.

You have until February 17 to take action in two quick ways:

1. Submit Your Business Comment
   Fill out the form and submit your comment directly to the EPA. It takes less than 5 minutes, and your input ensures the risks to businesses that depend on water quality and regulatory predictability are considered.
2. Sign the Collective Business Comment
   Every signature reinforces the message that water quality risks must be identified early – not after investments are made.

Why both matter: Comments put your business's experience on the official record with specific details EPA must respond to, and signing the collective comment amplifies the collective voice of the business community. Doing both takes under 10 minutes and doubles your impact. The deadline is February 17th.

Thank you for helping ensure that clean water protections continue to support predictable project planning, business investments, and communities downstream.

P.S. Even if you're not currently planning a project, this affects the overall business regulatory environment. Your voice matters.