We All Live Downstream

by Lynn Thorp

When I first read the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act I almost laughed. It reads like a temper tantrum in writing whose authors just want to get back at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for trying to do its job protecting our water.

I didn’t laugh too long, though, because House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) has promised a vote on what’s being called “The Rein in EPA” Act.  Rep. Cantor says he has made it one of his party’s summer priorities.

Don’t let the title fool you. There’s nothing “cooperative” about this piece of legislation.

This bill is a blatant and parochial attack on the federal government’s fundamental role in protecting our water and our health. Read the rest of this entry »

by Lynn Thorp & Jon Scott

Which is more important – protecting our drinking water and our health, or protecting polluters’ record-breaking profits?

Surely, Congressional sponsors of legislation aimed at sacrificing our water to protect polluters’ bottom line would seek a low profile for their efforts, wouldn’t they?

Apparently not. Consider the title of this stunning press release announcing introduction of the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011:

“Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Rein in EPA.” Read the rest of this entry »