Hello my lovely earth friends,
Happy World H20 Day!
Today we recognize how important water is to us by how often we rely on it as a vital resource in our daily lives. Living in California, we are so lucky to have access to nature and recreation! Let's hear a message from the Sierra Club to understand what we can do to help protect our waters:
The following is a Water Day Message written by Beth from the Sierra Club:
EPA Releases New PFAS "Forever Chemical" Drinking Water Standards
On March 14th, the EPA announced new national limits for 6 PFAS chemicals in drinking water. This is the first time the EPA has proposed a new standard for water contaminants in more than two decades!
PFAS are uniquely harmful and persistent contaminants that cause cancer, organ damage, immune system suppression and harm children’s development. When finalized, the new rules will improve water quality for millions of Americans.
Watch: United Nations Clean Water Panel featuring Tribal Leaders
Yesterday, on the eve of World Water Day, we hosted a conversation about decolonizing our waterways featuring Indigenous voices from the Southeast United States. This was a virtual side event of the United Nations 2023 Water Conference currently being held in New York.
Replay the conversation to learn more about how Indigenous People are protecting our waterways.
Fighting Back Against Attacks on National Water Protections
Sackett v. Environmental Protection Agency is a case currently before the Supreme Court in which corporate polluters and their supporters are pushing to gut the Clean Water Act, one of our nation's most important bedrock environmental laws. The case was argued in October and the Supreme Court will issue a decision sometime between now and the end of June when the current term ends. At the heart of this case is the question of which water bodies are considered "Waters of the United States" (WOTUS) and therefore protected under the Clean Water Act (CWA) . On March 9th, the House Republicans voted to overturn the Biden Administration's updated Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule, which outlines which waters - including small streams, rivers, wetlands, and more - should be protected from pollution and destruction under the Clean Water Act. Late last year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and US Army Corps of Engineers released the updated WOTUS rule, and earlier this month, Republicans passed a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution to try to invalidate the rule and prevent future administrations from implementing similar water protections. The CRA will move to the Senate for a vote where it would need only a simple majority to pass. The vote is expected as soon as next week. Call your senators now at 1-202-730-9006 and tell them to oppose the rollback of President Biden's WOTUS rule.
As we honor and celebrate World Water Day, our Water Program keeps in mind all current threats yet remains focused on protections and solutions that are rooted in community need.
In Michigan, water protectors are poised to make history by enforcing the shutdown of the dangerous Enbridge Line 5 Pipeline. In Hawai‘i, the upcoming Walk for Water recognizes the community's ongoing resistance to water pollution at the Navy's Red Hill facility. The Water Program's Senior Toxics Policy Advisor Sonya Lunder is tracking the shipment of toxic waste across the country from the site of the train derailment and chemical explosion in East Palestine, Ohio.
One of the Nottoway Tribal traditions I hold dear is naming the things we are thankful for when we gather in community together.
On this World Water Day, I am thankful for clean water, which sustains all life. And I am thankful for all of you who are in this work with us to protect our water.
Nyà:wę (thank you) for your support of our à:węʔ (water)!
Sincerely,Beth Roach
Director, Water Program
Sierra Club
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