The Supreme Court’s Clean Water Act Decision Threatens the Nation’s Rivers
Protecting rivers is crucial for human and environmental health. The United Nations recognizes clean water as a fundamental human right essential for health and dignity. In the United States, rivers provide much of the drinking water. However, many Americans don’t have access to clean water due to pollution, especially from “forever chemicals” like PFAS.
In 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Sackett v. EPA removed federal protections for many streams and wetlands, weakening the Clean Water Act. This ruling leaves the protection of these water sources to individual states, where regulations vary widely. The result is that small streams and wetlands are at risk, which can lead to even more pollution in the drinking water.
Protecting rivers requires strong federal protections because water bodies are interconnected. Allowing pollution in one area can affect water quality elsewhere. The role of the Clean Water Act in safeguarding all water sources from pollution is undeniable. Strengthening this act is a necessity to ensure the protection of our water sources.
But rivers are vital for more than just drinking water. They support ecosystems, provide food, transportation, and recreation, and protect against floods. Rivers also host many species that need more federal protection, as freshwater species are going extinct faster than species on land or in oceans.
American Rivers, a nonprofit environmental group, issues a yearly report titled “America’s Most Endangered Rivers.” It underscores the pressing dangers facing rivers, such as pollution and overuse, and calls for immediate action to safeguard them.
The 2024 report features rivers like the Rio Grande, a lifeline for New Mexico now under threat due to the high court’s ruling, and the Farmington River, a critical source of drinking water grappling with issues caused by an outdated dam.
Rivers are essential for life, so protecting them is crucial. Congress can help ensure safe and clean water for everyone today and future generations by strengthening the Clean Water Act—and holding polluters accountable.
🔭 This summary was human-edited with AI-assist.
