This week, [Monday, December 10, through Thursday, December 13, 2018,] the Trump Administration has proposed sweeping changes to the Obama-era regulation known as the “Waters of the United States,” a move that threatens the safety of Illinois’ rivers, groundwater, and the drinking water of millions across the State.
In 2015, the Obama administration issued the “Waters of the United States” rule (aka, The Clean Water Rule) to help clarify the application of the Clean Water Act to bodies of water across the Nation. The 2015 rule was passed after years of study and extensive scientific and public input. The rule recognized the importance of small streams and wetlands to healthy river systems and clean drinking water.
“The proposed rollbacks are devastating,” said Kim Knowles of Prairie Rivers Network, “and are a continuation of the Trump Administration’s protracted assaults on the health of our planet and our communities.”
Trump’s proposed rule guts all protections for “ephemeral streams” (small streams that flow after rain or snow events) and for most wetlands, leaving them vulnerable to pollution from mining, manufacturing, industrial agriculture, and other sources. Many wetlands could end up paved over or plowed under.
Small streams and wetlands protect our drinking water and the health of our rivers. These water bodies mitigate flooding, filter pollutants, and provide unique and vital habitat for many species.
They are also central to Illinois’ economy. State breweries and outdoor recreation are major economic drivers, contributing $2.6 and $25.8 billion, respectively, to the economy annually. Both of these in industries need clean water and healthy river systems to thrive.
“Without the protections provided by the current “Clean Water Rule,” commercial developers could pave over, or build on, wetlands without any oversight. Oil spills or pipeline breaks into these waters would no longer be considered CWA violations. Manure from factory farms could overflow into streams without fear of Federal consequences,” Knowles explained.
For more than 45 years, the “Clean Water Act” has helped us move to a time when all water bodies are safe for swimming and fishing, and when drinking water supplies are protected from pollution. This latest rollback harms us all!
Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is Illinois’ advocate for clean water and healthy rivers and is the Illinois affiliate of the National Wildlife Federation. PRN advocates for cultural values, policies, and practices that sustain the ecological health and biological diversity of Illinois’ water resources and aquatic ecosystems. It is a member-supported, nonprofit organization that champions clean, healthy rivers and lakes and safe drinking water to benefit the people and wildlife of Illinois.