on Nov. 17, the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers announced a proposed rule to dramatically restrict which bodies of water are protected by the safeguards of the Clean Water Act.
The new proposal would end Clean Water Act protections for millions of stream miles and millions of acres of wetlands, a critical part of functioning watersheds.
Of particular note to coldwater conservation, ephemeral streams that will lose protection under this rule represent approximately half of all stream miles and generate about 55 percent of downstream stream flow.
The public comment period for this proposal is only 45 days long – ending on Jan. 5 – so a rapid response is needed.
Please take the following actions:
1) Submit your own comment on the proposed rule – and please take time to personalize the note adding details about the streams you fish, the local rivers you love etc.. As that makes a big difference in how the message is received.
2) Sign up for our special advocacy briefing on the proposed rule on Dec. 8 at 8 p.m. Eastern with Helen Neville, TU’s Senior Scientist, and our Government Affairs and Engagement & Volunteer Operations staff.
Removing these streams from protection puts vital ecosystems for fish and wildlife at risk and threatens the small streams that one third of Americans rely on for clean water. The waters that sustain your family, fuel your passion for angling, and bring life to diverse ecosystems are at risk.
