Protect Clean Water Against Potential Cuts

From PennFuture (http://www.pennfuture.org):

The Trump Administration’s decision to freeze EPA grants and contracts comes at a time when there is broad-based support to clean the Susquehanna River and restore the Chesapeake Bay. This must remain a priority for Pennsylvania and it is imperative that our legislators act this year.

President Trump’s decision undermines the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s efforts to ensure a pollution-free Susquehanna River, putting public health at risk.

Here’s what’s at stake. Trump is poised to:

1. Order the EPA to be less aggressive on the TMDL.  The Total Maximum Daily Load establishes the maximum amount of pollutant a body of water can receive, while still maintaining quality standards. If these regulations are loosened, your drinking water is in jeopardy. As of now, the state will fall short of 2017 “mid-point” benchmarks for the EPA assessment. The 2025 targets to restore the Bay are unrealistic and will not be met unless PA changes its approach and provides more funding for agriculture pollution clean-up. Without these requirements, public health is at risk and we disregard our long-standing tradition of conservation and stewardship.
2. Cut federal funding to the EPA and the USDA. The DEP receives 50 percent of its budget from the federal government to safeguard our water supply, namely the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake Bay watershed, with $11 million at risk. Any cuts will harm the water program, including best management practices at our farms and support to conservation districts and local municipalities. We need this funding and full support of the federal government to protect our waters.
3. Roll-back Waters of the United States & the Clean Water Rule. Waters of the United States and the Clean Water Rule protects streams and wetlands that feed our rivers, lakes, and bays. We depend on these sources for our health, communities, and economy. If these protections are eliminated, families will potentially drink contaminated water, and swim and fish in polluted creeks.

Protect your right to clean water. Protect your family’s health.

Send a letter to your member of Congress, Senator Toomey, and Senator Casey today and let your voice be heard. Find their contact information at:

• Senator Robert Casey: http://casey.senate.gov
• Senator Pat Toomey: http://toomey.senate.gov
• Your Representative: http://www.house.gov