EPA & Corp Proposal to Repeal Clean Water Rule – Anglers & Hunters Oppose
The Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and the Assistant Secretary of the Army, Corps of Engineers (Civil Works) desire to revise the definition of “waters of the United States” by repealing the 2015 Clean Water Rule (the Rule). The Rule provides federal protection for “60% of streams and 20 million acres of wetlands, including downstream waters” that could be destroyed if the proposed action is implemented. At stake are spawning grounds and nursery habitat for juvenile fish, habitat for breeding ducks, geese and other water fowl, reduction of flood storage areas and water filtration, with the risk of increased channelization and pollution of streams, plus an increase in public health and safety.
The proposal is not based on science. In response to the proposal, the American Fisheries Society (AFS), the most prestigious organization of fish experts in the United States, brought together experts to address the risks that would flow from implementation of the proposal. The AFS group published a manuscript on the current protections at risk and the harm that will be realized and submitted that as its comments to the agencies.
TBF, along with many other recreational fishing and hunting organizations, signed a group letter opposing the proposal, which was submitted recently to the government. Learn more about the Rule – https://www.epa.gov/wotus-rule
