Keep Water on Public Lands in Our Rivers

[DeBo]

A water rights bill pushed by the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA), Colorado Petroleum Association, Farm Bureau, and National Cattleman’s Beef Association would have far-reaching consequences for rivers and streams nationwide.

This legislation [HR 3189 and S 1630] could prevent federal agencies, like the Environmental Protection Agency, from enforcing water quality standards or undertaking any other activity that would impact somebody’s right or perceived right to use water. That means it could cripple federal agencies’ ability to manage water in drought conditions, to protect water quality, and to ensure there is enough water in rivers to protect endangered species. This would allow frackers and corporate agriculture farms to suck our rivers dry.

The US Forest Service proposed a carefully crafted rule that would solve the ski industry’s concerns without gutting environmental laws or state water laws. This rule officially made legislation unnecessary and is a win-win solution for all involved.

Please sign the petition here:

http://act.americanrivers.org/page/spea ... rce=action" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;