[JPI] threat to Clean Water Act/action alert

[Cecelia Hawkins]

PROTECT AMERICA'S WETLANDS AND THE CLEAN WATER ACT

America's wetlands are in danger of losing the protection from
development and destruction that the Clean Water Act (CWA)
has provided since 1972.  In January 2003, based upon an
interpretation of a Supreme Court ruling on isolated wetlands,
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army
Corps of Engineers published a proposed rule that potentially
exempts up to 20 million acres of the nation's wetlands
from protection, and creates a loophole for the destruction of
"isolated, non-navigable" wetlands and ponds.  This represents
20 to 40 percent of U.S. waterways. Subject to debate and
possible destruction are streams and waterways that are
tributaries to larger waterways; waters that pass through
human-constructed channels; wetlands, lakes and ponds adjacent
to those waterways; and a host of other water bodies that
have been protected by the CWA.

Last week, legislation was introduced by Senators Russ
Feingold (D-WI), Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Jim Jeffords (I-VT)
and by Representatives James Oberstar (D-MN) and John
Dingell (D-MI) to counter attempts to weaken the Clean Water
Act.  The Clean Water Authority Restoration Act of 2003
(H.R. 962 and S. 473) is intended to maintain the protection
and integrity of all U.S. waters.

While the EPA is accepting public comment on its Advance
Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on wetlands regarding the SWANCC
ruling, it is important that you contact both the EPA and your
members of Congress asking them to support and co-sponsor the
Clean Water Authority Restoration Act.  To send faxes and/or
e-mails to the EPA and you representatives, please visit
http://www.ucctakeaction.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=1533




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