Dear Gretel,

Since 1972, the Clean Water Act has worked hard to safeguard our rivers, lakes, streams, and wetlands from pollution and destruction. However, recent Supreme Court decisions have put some of these protections in jeopardy. These recent rulings have narrowed the focus of the Clean Water Act, and wetlands and smaller streams and tributaries are the losers.

Ask your U.S. Representative to co-sponsor legislation that would protect these wetlands.

In a 2001 decision, the Supreme Court rejected federal regulatory authority over isolated, non-navigable, intrastate waters that were used by migratory birds. The Court decided the original focus of Congress when it enacted the original Clean Water Act was on navigable waters. Since then, polluters have argued that the law no longer protects numerous wetlands, streams, rivers, lakes, and other waters that have historically been covered by the Act. A more recent 2006 Supreme Court decision made matters worse by adding greater confusion to the issue of what waters and wetlands are federally protected, putting even more of our precious resources at risk of pollution and destruction.

The Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007 would restore the traditional scope of protection intended by Congress under the Clean Water Act for wetlands, which are critical for birds and other wildlife. This legislation would restore the regulatory status quo prior to the Supreme Court's decisions in 2001 and 2006, which have rolled back federal protection of our nation's waters, including wetlands. It does not expand the scope of the Act in any way. It merely clarifies existing law, regulations, and Congressional intent.

Ask your Representative to co-sponsor the Clean Water Restoration Act now!

P.S. Save the date! Audubon and other groups are sponsoring a National Call-In Day in support of the Clean Water Restoration Act next Wednesday, September 26. Please call Representative Bruce Braley at (202) 225-2911. Tell whoever answers the phone, "I'm calling to ask Representative Braley to co-sponsor the Clean Water Restoration Act."

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http://audubonaction.org/campaign/cwara2007