Environment New Mexico Clean Water Repeal

Environment New Mexico | June 27, 2017

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt proposed repealing the Clean Water Rule, which restored federal protections to half our nation’s streams and thousands of wetlands across the country. Environment New Mexico’s Nicole Larson issued the following statement:

“Repealing the Clean Water Rule turns the mission of the EPA on its head: instead of safeguarding our drinking water, the Trump administration is proposing to stop protecting drinking water sources for nearly 290,000 New Mexicans. It defies common sense, sound science and the will of the American people.

Clean water is vital to our ecology, our health, and our quality of life. In 2015, 3 million gallons of toxic waste was spilled into the Animas River, causing a state of emergency and water rationing to be declared in New Mexico, and polluting the downstream San Juan River in Utah. We need to continue to safeguard our waterways, where many New Mexicans source their drinking water, from toxic pollution. The last thing we should do is weaken protections for our water.

Finalized in 2015 with widespread public and scientific support, the Clean Water Rule restored federal protections to 88 percent of New Mexico’s streams, which feed waterways like the Picos and Gila Rivers and help provide drinking water to 280,000 New Mexicans. The rule also protects wetlands, which help filter out pollutants and provide wildlife habitat.

More than 800,000 Americans – including 5,300 New Mexicans, business owners, local officials, farmers, and health professionals – all support the historic Clean Water Rule. On the other side, the most vociferous opponents of the rule include the oil and gas industry, coal companies, developers, and lobbyists for corporate agribusiness.

We call on the EPA to reconsider this reckless repeal and stand up for our drinking water, not for polluters.”