96% of WV wetlands could lose federal protections – Take Action by Jan 5
Federal agencies are proposing to change the definition of “Waters of the United States” (WOTUS) under the Clean Water Act. This would dramatically reduce which streams and wetlands receive federal protection in West Virginia.
This is one of the most severe rollbacks of the Clean Water Act that we have ever seen, with serious loss of protection for our West Virginia waters.
EPA estimates that 96% of WV wetlands could lose federal protections under the proposed rule. (Source)
West Virginia is a headwater state. Many of our streams don’t flow year-round, especially in summer, yet they feed public water systems, provide trout habitat, and promote flood resiliency. Beloved rivers like the Elk and Lost River could lose protection where they flow underground.
Under the new proposal, these waters could lose safeguards simply because they are not “relatively permanent.” Isolated wetlands that protect communities from floods might no longer be protected if they are not connected to a nearby stream. And groundwater – which feeds our springs, wells, and headwater streams – would be excluded entirely.
This puts drinking water, fish habitat, and downstream communities at risk.
Your voice helps ensure science – not politics – guides this decision.
Comments are due January 5th.
For clean water & healthy communities,
WV Rivers Coalition
