December 12, 2018
The Trump administration took action yesterday to weaken key parts of the Clean Water Act by proposing a new rule on water, which is an integral part of our physical and spiritual wellbeing. The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers agencies jointly proposed exempting polluters from important programs that prevent and clean up water pollution, by removing protections from certain streams, wetlands, and other water bodies.
This new rule, the “Waters of the United States Rulemaking” would wipe out safeguards for streams that provide drinking water to tens of millions of people, including vulnerable populations such as children, and for wetlands that filter pollution and protect our communities from flooding.
Water is a fundamental component of all life, and that stewardship of water is part of our call to care for God’s creation. For more than four decades, the Clean Water Act has helped protect water bodies so that they can be safe for swimming and fishing. The Clean Water Act and the Clean Water Rule also protects drinking water supplies from pollution.
This new rule from the Trump administration will remove these vital protections to God’s waters. Replacing the Clean Water Rule with this new rule is ill advised and will put the health and safety of one in three Americans in jeopardy.
Creation Justice Ministries
Franciscan Action Network
Hazon
Interfaith Partners for the Chesapeake Interfaith Power & Light
Leadership Conference of Women Religious
Maryknoll Sisters, Eastern Region, USA
Sisters of Mercy of the Americas’ Institute Justice Team Union for Reform Judaism
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