WASHINGTON
- A highly anticipated rule that would enhance critical fish and
wildlife habitat, improve the nation's supply of drinking water and
restore clarity to the federal Clean Water Act was finalized this
morning, eliciting praise from business owners and sportsmen's groups,
including Backcountry Hunters & Anglers.
Today's announcement by the administration concludes a
multi-stakeholder process aimed at eliminating confusion surrounding the
scope of the Clean Water Act. The resulting "Waters of the U.S." rule
reflects a lengthy and comprehensive vetting process, including more
than 1 million public comments. Widely supported by citizens, sportsmen
and outdoor-focused businesses, it represents a practical approach that
addresses the needs of both industry and the general populace.
"The release by the administration of the final Waters
of the U.S. rule culminates an unprecedented effort to restore clarity
to a bedrock natural resources law, the federal Clean Water Act," said
BHA Executive Director Land Tawney. "The rule will conserve resources
important to our fish, our wildlife, our citizens - and to the waters
and wetlands that are central to our national identity.
"A chorus of ducks can be heard quacking from the
wetlands where waterfowl are busy nesting and rearing their young, and
fishtail slap high-fives are surfacing on the headwaters of our nation's
most precious trout and salmon streams," continued Tawney, an avid
waterfowler and angler. "These are some of the key habitats protected
via the Waters of the U.S. rule. We thank the administration for
persevering in the face of unrelenting opposition to sustain these
places - and the outdoor opportunities they provide - for future
generations to experience and
enjoy."