Click here to thank the EPA for applying the Clean Water Act
to as many waters as possible

Wrongheaded interpretations of two confusing U.S. Supreme Court cases have put more than 20 million acres of wetlands and almost 60 percent of our streams at risk of losing Clean Water Act protections.

The EPA estimates that more than 117 million Americans' drinking water is supplied in whole or part by waters vulnerable to pollution thanks to the current confusion.

To fix things, the Environmental Protection Agency is clarifying which waters are protected by the Clean Water Act.

The new guidelines would reaffirm protection for critical waters -- including wetlands, and smaller streams, including those that flow part of the year.

Protecting wetlands and small streams is important for fish and wildlife habitat, reducing the frequency and intensity of floods, filtering pollutants, as well as supplying drinking waters to American families.

These protections are especially important because they would affect mine waste disposal, the largest source of toxic pollution in the U.S.  

Naturally, the EPA is under attack from industries that would affected by these new guidelines – including the mining industry.  That's why we're asking for your help.

TAKE ACTION: CLICK HERE TO thank the EPA for acting to protect clean water from irresponsible mining; and urge them to follow it with a formal rule-making.

Your help is needed!  If EPA only hears from industry lobbyists, they might change what are now very good guidelines for clean water protection.

Please edit and send the letter below. Comments are due July 1st.

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Read the sample letter at page bottom that appears and edit it if possible. Customized letters have greater impact.
• Click "Send My Message" to send your letter to the Environmental Protection Agency.
• NOTE: you cannot modify the subject of the letter. EPA uses the docket number to make sure your letter is counted.

MORE INFORMATION:

• EPA: Clean Water Act Definition of "Waters of the United States"
• EPA: breakdown of how each state is affected