A Clean Water Tale of Two Senators
It’s sad that despite broad national support for the Clean Water Rule, Congress seems intent on ignoring their constituents while protecting polluters by attempting to block commonsense protections for our water.
First, Congress tried to pass a bill (S. 1140) that would have forced the Administration to start the rule making process over. Thankfully, the bill failed to move forward. This legislation would have been a waste of time and taxpayer money and it would have guaranteed less public participation and protection for our water.
A day after failing to advance S.1140, the Senate passed a resolution (S.J. Res. 22) to permanently block these protections and bar the Administration from proposing similar protections in the future. This resolution impedes commonsense protections for our water, is a massive giveaway to polluters, and codifies the confusing status quo, leaving the sources of drinking water for millions permanently at risk.
Thankfully, the White House has already threatened to veto this legislation.
When it comes to clean water protections, Pennsylvania has a tale of two United States Senators. Legislation to derail protections continues to be supported by Senator Pat Toomey. Fortunately, Pennsylvania also has an environmental champion who has been willing to stand up in support of protections for clean water - United States Senator Bob Casey.
As one of the more than 800,000 Americans who voiced support for the Clean Water Rule, I’d like to thank Senator Casey you for standing up for these important restored protections for streams, lakes, wetlands and other vital water resources.
On the other hand, I’m extremely disappointed with Sen. Toomey’s constant efforts to block and kill commonsense protections for the drinking water sources of most Pennsylvanians.
With more attacks likely on the way, our elected officials will be given further opportunities to show where they stand. Isn’t it about time that Congress started working in a bipartisan manner to strengthen our nation’s efforts to protect water, instead of gutting them?
Hopefully going forward Pennsylvanians can count on BOTH Senator Toomey and Senator Casey to stop all attempts to block and weaken the Clean Water Rule and oppose any future policy riders in spending bills that would undermine its protections.