Dear ,
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced plans to weaken Section 401 of the Clean Water Act, a critical safeguard that allows states and Tribes to protect water from pollution. The proposal would limit local authority to prevent federally permitted projects—like interstate pipelines, dams, power plants, mines, and data centers—from polluting our rivers, wetlands, and drinking water sources, while silencing community voices.
Join us in demanding EPA maintain these crucial safeguards against water pollution!
Section 401 has been successfully utilized to protect drinking water supplies, preserve important wetlands, and stop the destruction of trout spawning habitats. Weakening the rule as EPA has proposed will put industry profits ahead of public health, environmental justice, and clean water.
Specifically, this rollback would:
Narrow the scope of waters and water quality impacts states and Tribes can consider;
Make it harder for communities to stop or condition harmful projects; and
Prioritize industry’s right to pollute for profit over clean water and public health.
EPA is trying to shrink states’ authority and limit the public’s ability to speak up when it matters most. The comment window is closing on February 17, but there’s still time to be heard.
Every community deserves safe rivers, lakes, and drinking water. EPA’s proposal solves no real problem. Instead, it makes it easier for polluters to contaminate our waters. And it is not happening in a vacuum. It is being advanced alongside congressional efforts to expand mining, drilling, and pipeline construction, allowing corporations to pay their way around environmental review, while taxpayers foot the bill for cleanups and related health costs.
Don’t be silenced. Tell EPA that you oppose this dangerous rollback by leaving your personalized comment today!
Sincerely,
Waterkeeper Alliance
