Here in North Carolina, summertime always reminds us why we care about clean water.  Thanks to the Clean Water Act, many of the places we go swimming, fishing, or boating— like the Dan River and Jordan Lake — are now cleaner.

I was appalled to learn on Tuesday that the EPA is proposing to repeal key protections for North Carolina’s waterways. Finalized in 2015 with widespread public and scientific support, the Clean Water Rule restored federal protections to 56 percent of North Carolina’s streams that not only feed waterways like the Dan River and Jordan Lake but also help provide drinking water. The rule also protects wetlands, which help filter out pollutants and provide wildlife habitat.

Repealing this rule turns the mission of the EPA on its head: Instead of protecting our rivers, lakes and streams, the Trump administration would leave them open to pollution. It defies common sense, sound science and the will of the people of North Carolina.

EPA should reconsider this reckless repeal and stand up for the Dan River and Jordan Lake.

— Julia Schusterman

Raleigh

Schusterman is an organizer with with Environment North Carolina.