EPA should reconsider Clean Water Rule repeal

Dear Editor, 

I am writing to inform readers that the EPA has just proposed to repeal key protections for much of Montana’s drinking water. After seeing what happened in Flint, Michigan, it is hard to understate the importance of ensuring safe drinking water for all communities.

And that’s why in 2015, the Clean Water Rule restored federal protections to 63% of Montana’s streams, which help provide drinking water to 234,219 Montanans. The rule also protects wetlands, which help filter out pollutants and provide wildlife habitat.

More than 800,000 Americans — including doctors and nurses, mayors, farmers, businesses and local organizations — urged the EPA to adopt the Clean Water Rule. Yet the new EPA is now proposing to dismantle it.

Repealing this rule then turns the mission of the EPA on its head: the agency charged with protecting our sources of drinking water would instead leave them open to pollution. It defies common sense, sound science and the will of the people of Montana.

EPA should reconsider this reckless repeal and stand up for our drinking water.

Sincerely, 

Skye Borden, director, Environment Montana

Missoula