Press Releases

Congressman Don Beyer applauded the final "Waters of the United States" rule announced today by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to update and clarify the protections offered by the 1972 Clean Water Act.  

 

“This is such an important step toward fully protecting the streams and wetlands most vulnerable to pollution and destruction,” said Rep. Beyer. “Right now, nearly one in three Americans get their drinking water from unprotected seasonal rivers, lakes, and streams.  The Waters of the U.S. Rule is vital to waterways that we depend on for our health and economic security.”

 

An estimated 117 million Americans rely on headwater or seasonal streams for their water needs. Major economic sectors, including manufacturing, farming, ranching, tourism, and recreation also depend on clean water.

 

Currently, only major bodies of water are protected by the Clean Water Act, leaving the smaller streams and headwaters potentially unregulated and at risk of exposure to pollutants. The updated rule will ensure that these smaller bodies and sources of water are protected.