WASHINGTON, DC (January 20, 2016)—Yesterday, President Obama vetoed a resolution that would block the EPA from implementing the Clean Water Rule which was finalized in 2015. Today, the American Sustainable Business Council (ASBC), which has a membership network spanning 200,000 businesses, released a statement supporting the action.
“Clean water is a vital asset to the health and growth of America’s businesses. Rivers and streams provide the water that generates the vast majority of America’s agricultural exports; they provide the fishing industry with millions of dollars in annual revenue; and they allow America’s industries to produce hundreds of billions of dollars of goods. Small businesses in particular know how important those waters are—that’s why national, scientific polling we released found that 80 percent supported efforts to protect water like the Clean Water Rule,” said Richard Eidlin, co-founder and Vice President of Policy and Campaigns for ASBC.
“America’s waterways are vital to the economy. The resolution to kill the Clean Water Rule would have ended an effort to keep America’s waterways clean and protect American farmers from undue regulatory burden. The economy simply can’t survive without clean water. We applaud the president for keeping the Clean Water Rule alive,” said Eidlin.
The Clean Water Rule was originally announced in May of last year, following a comment period that was extended twice, ultimately lasting nearly seven months and resulting in over one million comments. It has been opposed in Congress, which passed Resolutions of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to block the rule. These actions were symbolic since President Obama promised to veto the final resolution, and there is not enough support in Congress to override his action.
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The American Sustainable Business Council www.asbcouncil.org advocates for policy change and informs business owners and the public about the need and opportunities for building a vibrant, sustainable economy. Through its national member network it represents more than 200,000 businesses and more than 325,000 entrepreneurs, executives, managers and investors.
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