SEEC Leadership Oppose Republican Effort to Eliminate Clean Water Protections
Washington, D.C. – The leaders of the House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), including Co-Chairs Reps. Doris Matsui, Mike Quigley, and Paul Tonko, Vice Chairs Reps. Don Beyer, Matt Cartwright, Sean Casten, Chellie Pingree, Katie Porter, and Chair Emeritus Rep. Gerry Connolly, released the following statement in response to the passage of H.J.Res. 27, a Republican-led resolution to overturn the Biden Administration's Clean Water Restoration Rule. This rule restores important protections for rivers, streams, and wetlands that were rolled back by the Trump Administration and provides needed clarity for what qualifies as "waters of the United States" for purposes of regulations under the Clean Water Act.
"We support the Biden Administration's restoration of Clean Water Act safeguards for thousands of rivers, streams, and wetlands that our local communities, businesses, farmers, and households rely on. This rule addresses what our communities and scientists have known for decades: the waters of the United States are an interconnected system that deliver valuable ecosystem services to the benefit of all.
"The Trump Administration's version of this rule gutted longstanding protections under the Clean Water Act, giving polluters open access to discharge harmful substances into streams and wetlands that connect to our drinking water sources. In a return to science, the Biden Administration's rule is a familiar approach that scientists and engineers at federal agencies have previously used for decades. This allows the Clean Water Act to more effectively fulfill its purpose in maintaining the physical, chemical, and biological integrity of our Nation's waters.
"This latest attack by House Republicans would only muddy the waters of the Clean Water Act's scope. The American people deserve predictability that clean water will be delivered to their homes, farmlands, and businesses. Contrary to the claims of House Republicans, this resolution only reintroduces uncertainty in precisely what waters will be covered under the Clean Water Act. Clean water is a necessity, not a privilege, and it must be treated that way."