WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Raúl M. Grijalva (D-AZ) released the following statement after EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced a 42-page proposal that among other things would dismantle the Clean Water Rule of 2015. The Clean Water Rule of 2015, brought up-to-date the Clean Water Act of 1972 and clearly defined what waterways could be overseen by the federal government. The Clean Water Rule was developed after the EPA met with more than 400 stakeholders and after receiving more than one million public comments. Under this new directive, rivers and streams would no longer be federally protected from pollution.

“Trump can claim all day long that he cares for the public safety of our country, but his actions speak louder than words,” Rep Grijalva said. “To undo the Clean Water Rule which ensures that more than 117 million people have access to clean drinking water is callous and irresponsible.

“We cannot allow industries to forgo basic water protections because it potentially cuts into their billion dollar profit margins. More than 30 communities, including Flint, Michigan have already experienced the detrimental side effects of contaminated water to their health and unfortunately, children are the first victims. No doubt, it will be low-income, communities of color that will be forced to bear the burden, while the extraction and agriculture industries will get off scot-free. That is unacceptable.  If Trump truly cared for our country’s well-being, he would not slash safeguards that ensure all communities have access to safe, clean drinking water.”

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