Izaak Walton League of America

The core principles of the Izaak Walton League’s Clean Water Program continue to guide our work to improve water quality locally and engage thousands of volunteers nationwide.

The Senate vote to overturn the EPA clean water rule issued in December is reckless. Overturning the rule would roll back protections for waterways that provide drinking water and habitat for fish and wildlife. We urge President Biden to veto the resolution.

The toxic spill demonstrates the interconnected nature of our waters. Pollutants discharged into small streams invariably flow to larger rivers, lakes and drinking water reservoirs. That’s why it is vital that small streams – even those that may not flow all year long – remain protected by the Clean Water Act. This reaffirms the League’s commitment to fight efforts in Congress and federal courts to undermine these protections.

Today, the EPA confirms what we have been saying for years: Bristol Bay’s fish and wildlife are its most valuable and most sustainable natural resources. Putting them at risk for short-term exploitation of minerals imperils more than just salmon and bears, but a unique way of life including the 14,000 jobs that depend on a healthy ecosystem in the Bristol Bay watershed.

With its action today to prevent this type of mining near the Boundary Waters, the Department of the Interior is fulfilling its responsibilities as trustee of these resources so vital to protecting fish and wildlife, clean water and the outdoor recreation economy in this unique ‘canoe country’ wilderness.