Over the past few months we have asked paddlers to write to the EPA and the Army Corps of Engineers to protest Bush Administration attempts to weaken the Clean Water Act. We are happy to announce that our letters hit their mark, and the proposed rule change that would have weakened the Clean Water Act will not be carried forward by the EPA. In short, WE WON.
According to a statement from the EPA: “After soliciting public comment to determine if further regulatory clarification was needed, the EPA and the Corps have decided to preserve the federal government’s authority to protect our wetlands. The agencies will continue to monitor implementation of this important program to ensure its effectiveness.”
Over 133,000 comments were submitted to the EPA and more than 200 members of congress opposed the proposed rule change. We are proud that the paddling community was part of this significant environmental victory.
Of course behind every victory there are more battles, and this is no exception. We will keep the paddling community informed on any opportunities to continue defending the Clean Water Act and any other environmental legislation that is intended to protect our health and our natural resources.
Thank You to everyone that took the time to write a letter to the EPA.
Your voices made a difference.