Chesapeake Bay Foundation Vice President Kim Coble issued this statement Tuesday following EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announcement they are proposing a rule to rescind the Clean Water Rule and revert to a previous definition of "waters of the United States."

"Clean water is a right, not a luxury. The proposal to rescind the federal clean water rule would allow more pollution in headwater streams and wetlands.

"Fortunately, most of the Bay states have regulations to protect these waters. But that could change. It is far cheaper to prevent pollution in the first place, than clean it up downstream.

"The Blueprint is working and we are seeing real progress. Now is not the time for the federal government to weaken efforts to reduce pollution."

[Note: Republican and Democratic Secretaries of DEP in Pennsylvania have said the repeal of the waters of the U.S. rule will have no impact here because state laws are stronger than federal laws in protecting streams, rivers and wetlands as waters of the Commonwealth.  But it will cause confusion among individuals expecting federal rules to apply in the state.

[The Secretaries of DEP, DCNR, Agriculture and the Fish and Boat Commission pointed out that fact and the potential for confusion in a letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt on June 19.]

NewsClips:

McKelvey: Repealing Waters Of U.S. Rule Could Cause Confusion In PA

EPA Moves To Rescind Contested Waters Of The U.S. Regulation

EPA To Propose Repealing Waters Of The U.S. Rule

EPA Moves To Repeal Waters Of The U.S. Rule

Related Story:

State Environmental Secretaries Hope For Full Collaboration In Developing New Waters Of U.S. Rule

[Posted: June 28, 2017]

7/3/2017