Water is crucial to the U.S. economy, specifically in areas like tourism, manufacturing, energy, recreation and agriculture. In 2011, $30 billion was spent right here in the southeastern United States by both residents and non-residents of our region who enjoyed getting outdoors to fish, hunt, or simply watch wildlife in our rich and varied streams, forests and estuaries. Anglers in the state of Tennessee alone spent more than $280 million in that same year. This affirms the fact that clean water is an economic asset that should be protected to support our region’s health, way of life and environment.
Without Clean Water Act protections, there's often nothing stopping sewage, toxic chemicals, or other harmful pollutants from threatening our waterways—not just lakes and rivers, but the streams and wetlands that feed them.
Right now, not all streams and wetlands are protected equally from pollution, and this loophole is threatening clean water. That’s why this spring, EPA took targeted action with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close that loophole. Science shows us what kinds of wetlands, streams, and headwaters impact water downstream—so our action protects these waters.
A recent survey found that 80 percent of U.S. small business owners favor including small streams and headwaters in federal clean water protections. More than 300 small businesses across the country wrote a letter to the President supporting protections for critical waterways in the U.S. The truth is every small business in America needs clean water to thrive. Businesses depend on certainty – and EPA’s clean water proposal delivers certainty and gives companies peace of mind.
Clean water and a strong economy go hand in hand. Business leaders across the country continue to praise EPA’s continued commitment to ensuring clean water for all Americans. In the end, this proposal protects the water that American businesses and all Americans depend on for a healthy life and economy.
Heather McTeer Toney
Regional Administrator
U.S. EPA Region 4