Historic Day for Clean Water

Collin O'Mara | Last Updated: December 23, 2015

Collin O'Mara, Clean Water Rule — National Wildlife Federation President and CEO Collin O’Mara speaking at the Clean Water Rule event. Photo by Lacey McCormick

Last Wednesday will be remembered among the most important days for America’s natural resources— the day in which Clean Water Act protections were restored for more than two million miles of streams, millions of acres of wetlands, and one-third of all Americans who receive their drinking water from these sources.

Clean Water Rule signing — EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy sign the Clean Water Rule at Earth Conservation Corps as I look on (far right). Photo by Lacey McCormick

Wetland Planting — Several volunteers and I work together to do wetland restoration and turtle habitat creation on the Anacostia River. Photo by Lacey McCormick

Following a morning of wetland restoration and turtle habitat creation, the National Wildlife Federation and our Affiliate for the District of Columbia, The Earth Conservation Corps (ECC) had the honor of hosting a truly historic event for America’s waterways. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Gina McCarthy, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works Jo-Ellen Darcy, and Managing Director of the Council on Environmental Quality Christy Goldfuss visited ECC’s famed pump house facility along the banks of Anacostia River for the unveiling and signing of the final Clean Water Rule.

Countless wildlife, including mallards, depend on clean water in streams, creeks and wetlands. Photo by *National Wildlife* Photo Contest entrant Cheryl Newman.

Today’s announcement is a huge win for wildlife and fisheries, for healthy drinking water and public health, for businesses that depend upon clean water, and for all Americans who love the great outdoors. However, our work is not done. There are still some in Congress that want to prevent the Rule from being implemented. Now that the Clean Water Rule is finalized, we are going to need everyone’s help defending it! Please take action and tell your representatives to protect clean water!