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Statement From the Ohio Environmental Council on the Trump Administration’s Dirty Water Rule

Cassie Kelly, December 11, 2018

Columbus, Ohio — Today, the U.S. EPA released their replacement for the Clean Water Rule, starting the clock on a 60 day public commenting period. In 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order repealing the Clean Water Rule, putting at risk numerous wetlands and miles of streams in Ohio, some of which Ohioans depend on for drinking water. The following statement can be attributed in full, or in part, to Kristy Meyer, Vice President of Natural Resources Policy:

“Today, the Trump Administration released their Dirty Water Rule, which puts at risk small streams and numerous wetlands, which are vital to filter out pollutants before they reach groundwater, rivers, and streams.

“Few things are more fundamental to our health than the water we drink. In Ohio, more than 115,000 miles, or nearly 70 percent, of streams and rivers are federally unprotected. Millions of Ohioans rely on these rivers and streams for their drinking water. The existing Clean Water Rule is a sensible, albeit modest step in the right direction to ensure all Ohioans have clean, safe drinking water. 

“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.”