Cindy Carr, cindy.carr@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC -- Today, the House Republicans voted to overturn the Biden Administration’s updated Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which outlines which waters - including small streams, rivers, wetlands, and more - should be protected from pollution and destruction under the Clean Water Act. Late last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers released the updated WOTUS rule, and today, Republicans passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to try to invalidate the rule and prevent future administrations from implementing similar water protections.
The CRA will move to the Senate for a vote where it would need only a simple majority to pass. The vote is expected as soon as Wednesday.
In response, Sierra Club Clean Water Director Beth Roach issued the following statement:
“The majority of House Republicans have made it clear once and for all that they do not care about the American people having access to clean, safe, and reliable water. The Biden Administration’s WOTUS rule restores critical protections for waters across the country, but corporate polluters and the fossil fuel industry have spent years flooding the pockets of their allies in Congress with this exact goal in mind. At the end of the day, we cannot drink oil or gas or money, yet Republicans in Congress continue to put one of our most critical natural resources at risk. Enough is enough.
“Where someone lives, how much money they make, or the color of their skin should never determine if they have access to clean, safe water. The Sierra Club is committed to continuing to work with our allies to ensure that every person in this country has clean water, and we call on all Senators to vote no on the CRA.”
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.