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STATEMENT BY U.S. EPA ADMINISTRATOR CAROL M. BROWNER REGARDING SUPREME COURT DECISION ON WETLANDS
Release Date: 01/09/2001
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FOR RELEASE: TUESDAY, JANUARY 9, 2001
STATEMENT
BY
U.S. EPA ADMINISTRATOR CAROL M. BROWNER
REGARDING SUPREME COURT DECISION ON WETLANDS
I am very disappointed today by the Supreme Court’s split decision. It weakens America’s ability to protect its wetlands, which are among this country’s most valuable natural resources. That is why the Clinton-Gore Administration has worked hard for eight years to ensure the protection of wetlands under our nation’s environmental laws. The need to safeguard wetlands is also why I am taking additional action today under the Clean Water Act. That action will close a loophole in existing law to help ensure greater protection for America’s remaining wetlands. The importance of wetlands goes beyond their ability to support birds and wildlife. They provide flood control and act as natural filters to clean water supplies and therefore, help protect human health. Although today’s ruling will make it even more difficult to effectively protect against the loss of wetlands, we hope that aggressive efforts will continue to be made under existing laws to prevent future losses of this vital resource. This decision further underscores the need for Congressional action to strengthen the laws that protect wetlands.
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