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Napolitano’s Statement on Trump Administration’s Attack on Clean Water

December 11, 2018

(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, Rep. Grace F. Napolitano (D-El Monte), issued the following statement after the Trump administration announced a new proposal—claiming it to be pro-industry—which would weaken federal clean water rules, putting at risk the health and safety of millions of Americans:

"The President has no knowledge of or willingness to recognize science. This is evident in his administration's new plan which would imperil Clean Water Act protections for waterways across the country, jeopardizing millions of Americans' drinking water for the sake of corporate profit. This ‘pro-industry' rule is anti-family, anti-small farmer, and anti-taxpayer. Clean and safe drinking water, free from cancer-causing chemicals and other contaminants, is a fundamental human need which must always be protected.

"Millions in my home state of California get much of their drinking water from rivers that are fed by streams. This rule allows any and all polluters to dump into streams, harm clean water supply, and bring tax hikes to residents and businesses in my area who will have to pay our local water agencies to clean up the water before we consume it. Why should we force America's families to pay more to clean up polluters' messes? This is incredibly stupid and wrong."

The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers will take public comment on the proposal for 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Napolitano is the Ranking Democrat on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment, which has jurisdiction over the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the EPA Clean Water Act Programs.

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