What They Are Saying About the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals Stay: Clean Water Action

“We know that commonsense protections for streams, wetlands, and drinking water will prevail” 

Today the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati issued a temporary stay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Rule, pending further consideration by the Court.

Clean Water Action President and CEO, Robert Wendelgass released this statement:

“Though we’re disappointed by today’s order, and are concerned that streams and wetlands may once again be at risk, we recognize that this is part of the normal litigation process. The Court did not rule on the merits of the Clean Water Rule. In fact, even in granting the stay, the court recognized what millions of Americans have known for years – clarifying protections for our water is long overdue. The court also noted that the Clean Water Rule is based on peer-reviewed science and the Agencies’ technical expertise.

Despite the nationwide stay returning us to the status quo, this is a temporary order. Clean Water Action members across the country remain strong in their support of the Clean Water Rule and we know that commonsense protections for streams, wetlands, and drinking water will prevail. The more than 117 million Americans whose drinking water is at risk until the Clean Water Rule takes effect need this protection restored.”

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Since our founding during the campaign to pass the landmark Clean Water Act in 1972, Clean Water Action has worked to win strong health and environmental protections by bringing issue expertise, solution-oriented thinking and people power to the table.