Hoyer Statement in Opposition to Republican Attempt to Undermine Clean Water Standards

WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) released the following statement in opposition to H.R. 2018, a Republican bill that threatens Maryland's clean water standards:

"I strongly oppose today's attempt by Republicans to limit federal oversight of state clean water standards.  H.R. 2018 would undermine critical elements of the Clean Water Act – a statute passed with broad bipartisan support – and takes a giant step backward in our efforts to restore the health of our own Chesapeake Bay.  This bill would not only limit the EPA's ability to assure that state water quality standards protect clean water and public health, but it would endanger our local economies that depend on clean water, such as tourism and fishing. This bill would also give upstream states power to weaken their pollution protections, which in turn would weaken the power of downstream states to protect their water supply, their communities, and their economy.

"For centuries, our waterways have played an important role in shaping the cultural, economic, political, and social history of our region. There is no appropriate reason, at this time or any other, to endanger the waterways that sustain our health and economy."