April 15, 2019
OEC Statement on Proposed Changes to the Waters of the U.S. Rule
Columbus, Ohio — Today, the Ohio Environmental Council submitted comments urging the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to protect Ohio’s waterways. The U.S. EPA has proposed a rule (Dirty Water Rule) that changes the definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS) eliminating protections for 50 percent of the nation’s remaining wetlands and approximately 18 percent of the nation’s stream miles.
The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Kristy Meyer, Vice President of Policy for the Ohio Environmental Council:
“This year marks the 50th anniversary of the last fire on the Cuyahoga River, sparking the development and passage of the Clean Water Act. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration’s drastic reinterpretation of the Clean Water Act would completely remove federal pollution protections for wetlands and streams across our country. Already facing serious water quality challenges, Ohio cannot afford to lose any additional wetlands and rivers.
“This rule ignores the reams of scientific data showing protections of these streams and wetlands are essential to clean and safe water, and at a time when the nation is struggling to replace old water infrastructure, it makes no fiscal sense. No Ohioan should have to worry if their tap water is polluted. The Dirty Water Rule endangers the health and safety of millions of people across Ohio and the country.”