U.S. House Rejects Clean Water Protections

On June 1st, U.S. Representatives had the opportunity to make a very clear choice for clean water when debating the budget bill for the Army Corps of Engineers. That bill currently includes a provision that would block the Corps from offering new guidance to its staff on waters covered by the Clean Water Act. The Corps proposed new guidance because the guidelines created under the previous administration artificially limit the application of well-established scientific principles concerning the connections between waters. An amendment offered by Representatives Jim Moran (VA) and John Dingell (MI) would have struck this provision and allowed the Corps to issue new guidance.

Members who voted the Moran-Dingell amendment were supporting efforts by the Corps and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restore some lost protections for streams, wetlands, and other waters. A vote against the amendment would block any progress in any future year. On this critical vote, 152 members of Congress voted for the amendment and for moving forward with science-based Clean Water Act guidance. Unfortunately, 237 members voted against the amendment. To see how your U.S. Representative voted, visit the Roll Call page on the Moran amendment.

The League and other national hunting, angling, and conservation groups strongly supported the Moran-Dingell amendment. You can read more about our position in a June 1st press release. Although this vote is disappointing, there is nothing blocking the Obama administration from finalizing and implementing Clean Water Act guidance for the Corps and EPA this year. The League is working with partner groups to coordinate outreach to the administration – and we need your help. Please watch for Action Alerts on this issue.

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