As a lifelong Iowan, I've seen firsthand the devastation flooding brings to our farmers and communities.
Over generations of draining and development, Iowa has lost more than 95% of its wetlands.
This loss has contributed to devastating flooding. As climate change fuels heavier rainstorms and more precipitation year-round, we need wetlands to do what they do best — absorb excess rainwater and reduce flood damage. But this is where the Clean Water Act comes in.
While the Clean Water Act mostly focuses on water quality, it also gave federal protections to wetlands that also help with flood mitigation
The Trump administration looks to redefine what is protected by the Clean Water Act, potentially leaving over 90% of wetlands without those protections and at greater risk of being drained, developed and destroyed.
Just last summer, we saw the Little Sioux River in Northwest Iowa crest to record highs, flooding 40% of buildings in the nearby city of Spencer.
And Iowa isn’t the only state experiencing these climate disasters — we’ve seen similar events in Texas, Kentucky, North Carolina and more.
By allowing wetlands to be destroyed, we create a future where more communities across the nation could face flooding tragedies like these.
Your comment today will show our leaders that wetlands matter, for both people and our planet. Add your voice now.
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