Clean water rule in jeopardy

This October, the Clean Water Act of 1972 will hopefully turn 45. It is a landmark law that has saved lakes and rivers from pollution. The act outlines a bold vision — making all of our water safe for fishing and swimming by eliminating pollution discharges. After 45 years, we still have work to do. Many of our lakes and streams are still not safe. Now, the Trump administration wants to make our work harder.

In June, the Environmental Protection Agency proposed a dangerous repeal of part of the Clean Water Act. They gave the public only 30 days to comment — loosening the protections on drinking water are pretty unpopular. The repeal of the Clean Water Rule represents bad governance and will hurt New Mexicans.

The Clean Water Rule of 2015 protects the streams that replenish our drinking water. It also protects the waters that sustain viable fish and wildlife populations. It is essential to popular recreation spots like the Rio Grande bosque. These streams and wetlands are vital parts of our natural infrastructure; supporting everything from craft breweries to outdoor recreation. Without the Clean Water Rule, federal protections for these waters are up in the air, putting communities across New Mexico at risk.

All Americans should be concerned about water; New Mexicans, maybe more so. Repealing the Clean Water Rule puts what little water we have in the state in peril. Repeal will result in more polluted water and set back our goal of swimmable, fishable and drinkable water throughout the nation.

Our water hasn’t been this at risk since the Cuyahoga River in Ohio caught fire. Our drinking water and our outdoor traditions are at risk. The Clean Water Rule should be left alone before we return to the days of rivers catching on fire, and before we lose our outdoor way of life.

Todd Leahy is deputy director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.