Biden rejects bill aimed at eliminating EPA water protections

Biden rejects bill aimed at eliminating EPA water protections

On April 14th, 2021, President Joe Biden rejected a bill that aimed to eliminate water protections put in place by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The bill, known as the “Navigable Waters Protection Rule,” was implemented by the previous administration and sought to redefine which bodies of water were protected under the Clean Water Act.

The Clean Water Act, passed in 1972, was designed to protect the nation’s waters from pollution and ensure that all Americans have access to clean and safe water. The act gave the EPA the authority to regulate pollutants in “navigable waters,” which were defined as “waters of the United States.” However, the definition of “waters of the United States” has been a point of contention for decades.

In 2015, the Obama administration implemented the Clean Water Rule, which expanded the definition of “waters of the United States” to include smaller bodies of water, such as streams and wetlands. This expansion was met with opposition from industries such as agriculture and development, who argued that it would lead to unnecessary regulation and hinder economic growth.

In 2020, the Trump administration replaced the Clean Water Rule with the Navigable Waters Protection Rule, which narrowed the definition of “waters of the United States” and removed protections for many smaller bodies of water. The rule was widely criticized by environmental groups, who argued that it would lead to increased pollution and harm to wildlife.

President Biden’s rejection of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule is a significant step towards protecting the nation’s waters. In a statement, the White House said that the rule “undermines sound science and the effects of climate change on our waters.” The statement also noted that the EPA will be working to develop a new rule that “protects public health and the environment while supporting economic growth, agriculture, and other industries.”

The decision to reject the Navigable Waters Protection Rule has been praised by environmental groups, who see it as a crucial step towards protecting the nation’s waters. However, it has also been met with criticism from industries such as agriculture and development, who argue that it will lead to unnecessary regulation and hinder economic growth.

In conclusion, President Biden’s rejection of the Navigable Waters Protection Rule is a significant step towards protecting the nation’s waters and ensuring that all Americans have access to clean and safe water. While the decision has been met with opposition from some industries, it is an important reminder that protecting the environment and public health should be a top priority for all policymakers.

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