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WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Representatives Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) led more than 75 of their colleagues in introducing a resolution calling on the Environmental Protection Agency to maintain and strengthen Clean Water Act protections following the Administration’s relentless attack on the landmark law.

Text of the Resolution is available here.

The Trump administration has made efforts to redefine the scope of waters protected under the Clean Water Act, severely limiting protections for critical streams and wetlands. In addition, the administration is proposing to roll-back numerous safeguards in the law, including efforts that limit toxic pollution discharge and prevent spills of hazardous substances. These actions have been criticized by stakeholders across the spectrum, including environmental, public health and sportsmen groups, businesses, environmental justice advocates, laborers, and many more, who believe this to be one of the biggest attacks on clean water and the Clean Water Act in its history.

 “It was in my lifetime that our waterways were too polluted and dangerous to swim in, drink from, or be free of toxic contaminants,” said Rep. Debbie Dingell. “For nearly 50 years, the Clean Water Act has been bedrock environmental law that puts in place national clean water safeguards. However, in recent years the EPA has taken steps to threaten the Clean Water Act and jeopardize all the significant progress we have already made. Our call is for the EPA to strengthen – not weaken – requirements that keep our waterways clean and stop undermining efforts to safeguard all Americans.”

 “When it comes to the health and safety of our nation’s waterways, there is nothing more foundational than the Clean Water Act. We cannot turn back the clock on the progress it has helped us realize,” said Rep. Chris Pappas. “The resolution we introduced today sends a clear message to this administration and the American people that we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to clean water. Whether it’s defending existing policies or implementing new protections, I remain committed to safeguarding our water, environment, and climate for future generations.” 

“Michigan is surrounded by 90% of the nation’s fresh surface water -- clean water is critical to our economy, our health, and our vitality,” said Lisa Wozniak, Executive Director of Michigan League of Conservation Voters. “We are grateful to Representatives Dingell and Pappas for prioritizing protection of The Clean Water Act while the Trump administration tries to take us backwards, putting the health and wellbeing of our children and families at risk. Cleaning up toxic contamination and protecting our water for future generations must be a top priority for our government.”  

“Representatives Pappas and Dingell are leaders who understand the importance of clean and protected water. This resolution sends the right message to the right people,” said New Hampshire State Representative Wendy Thomas.

This Resolution has been supported by Natural Resources Defense Council, League of Conservation Voters, Sierra Club, National Wildlife Federation, Environment America, Earthjustice, National Parks Conservation Association, Southern Environmental Law Center, GreenLatinos, Michigan League of Conservation Voters, Environmental Law and Policy Center, Appalachian Trail Conservancy, Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments, and Clean Water Action.

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